Pearl-spotted Owlet and African Barred Owlet

Pearl-spotted owlet (first 3 photos) African Barred Owlet (last 6 photos)

The pearl-spotted owlet has two feathered eyes on the back of his head, probably to scare his predators into thinking he’s looking at them when looking the other way.

The Pearl-spotted is slightly smaller than the African Barred.. the first being 17 –21 cm (6.7 – 8.2 inches) long and weighing 60 – 100 grams (2.1 – 3.5 Oz) the second is 20 – 22 cm (7.8 – 8.6 inches) long and weighs in at  100 – 135 grams (3.5 – 4.8 Oz).

The Pearl-spotted hunts a variety of small prey. The call is a whistled tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu.

The African barred is partly diurnal, and feeds mostly on insects, although small rodents and birds may also be eaten. The call ..?? No idea…

On Golden Pond… a Water Birds perspective.

At one of my favourite spots, at this time of the year when the sun is just right, the reeds reflect off the water turning it to gold.