This very well camouflaged spotted eagle-owl (Bubo africanus) was sitting very close to the dirt road out of the Central Kalahari Game reserve, but did not leave its spot in the shade.
At 8 in the morning the heat of the sun is already unbearable and most animals seek shelter. Some are nocturnal and take advantage of the cooler nights, yet they too must deal with the sun if they are unable to find a place in shade throughout the day.
This owl is finding temporary shade behind the trunk of this tree when the sun is low in the sky, but as the sun rises the shade will shrink, and the leafless tree crown will provide little shade.
What to do then?
It sounds like this:
Last updated on 21 June 2024