Around 4 PM today (21st Aug ’09) I got a call from an old friend. She informed me that a BIG owl was sitting on a tree across the street from her house. It was identified as the Eurasian Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo bengalensis) or previously known as the Indian Great Horned Owl. The news of seeing such a big owl in the heart of the extended city was exciting enough for me to leave my work and head to her house.
There was an amazing drama un-folding right in front of our eyes. There was a hectic activity of small birds around the owl. The scene was pretty similar, to what we would witness, when a foreigner walks the streets of India. Who is practically molested by the people on the street. Except here, the small birds did not dare to go so close to the owl.
The Red vented bulbul’s were the bravest of the lot to go close to the owl awho tried to shake him off the tree. The other birds present were the Asian Koel, White Eye, Red Whiskered bulbul, Ashy Prina, Grey Tit, Tailor bird and a whole lot of crows!! All of them had come to see the new visitor in town!!
It felt as if the birds had called the other and told them to visit the location to see an exotic visitor. Now I am not sure if this behavior was due to instinct or were they plain confused as to who this visitor was.
Spent an amazing 2 hours watching this magnificent beauty.
Attaching here with this post are four photos, 2 of the owl, one habitat shot and one photo of the group who also enjoyed the viewing.
