Galápagos Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus galapagoensis)

I had high expectations going to the south end of the island – only accessible by boat and a man made “staircase” (Prince Philip’s Steps) to the flat top of the island. I was told a healthy population of this specialized owl resides here. It started very well, by an exciting “look – the owl” while still in the Zodiac! I was lucky to capture it both sitting and in flight as it was the one and only sighting of the owl that evening! To the dismay of the others in the group that did not pay too much attention to it as it was so far away and the promise of so easy and close encounters on the top of the island.

Focus distance is 38 metres!

What’s really incredible is for this owl to call this home! What does it eat when all the Storm Petrel chicks (its main prey) are gone? How did it come to this tiny island in the first place? I guess insects is the main diet the rest of the year.

I remember watching a documentary on Galapagos with a large segment on this very island and bird, and then too, I was in awe of how life manages to adapt in the most harsh and isolated conditions.