Nemisis Conquered

Every ranger has a nemesis. Its that one thing that you always seem to miss…Mating Leopards, Four-toed Elephant Shrew, Caracal, Narina Trogon…the list goes on and on. For some four years now, the African Scops Owl has been my nemesis. Whether I have just not paid enough attention or what, I have heard the bird calling frequently yet never seemed to get it right. The other evening, while leaving a lion sighting, this magnificent little bird teased me with his call from a nearby Knobthorn Tree. I explained the situation to my guests who were all too happy to try and help. It seemed too good to be true. We would move, then stop and listen, then start up again, and just before we were about to give up, he flew out from the tree and landed in another nearby. We were able keep the light on him and not only had enough time to get a glimpse with my binoculars, but a photograph as well.

Posted: Exeter by Brendan Streak, Date: 3 May 2008