The Pel’s Fishing Owl is one of the most difficult owls to find in its natural habitat and therefore when you do see one, it is a special occasion. Even though it is one of the largest types of owl in the world, it is very secretive and rarely seen. A full grown Pel''s Owl measures over 500mm in height and has a wingspan of over 1,5meters.
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Pel''s Owls'' diet is primarily fish, with frogs on the side. As with most owls, they hunt at night and tend to do this from over hanging branches above fairly slow flowing rivers. Their flight is fairly noisy compared to other Owls, because they lack the soft fringes to their flight feathers, which is not important to their hunting technique. They have large dark eyes and ginger coloured feathers. The legs and toes are un-feathered so not to get wet when hunting. The undersides of the feet are scale-like to aid in gripping their prey.
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Pel''s Owls can be seen (by the patient and the lucky) in the Northern parts of Kruger National Park, among other places.
Kruger accommodation
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Stay at luxurious Motswari Private Game Reserve where they promise you''ll arrive as a guest and leave as a friend. This traditional safari camp reflects elements of African nostalgia, romance and charm. Set deep in the Timbavati, adjoining the Greater Kruger Park, you are assured of rich game viewing and sightings of the Big 5 in their natural environment, as the boundary with Kruger is open.
With 150 square kilometres of wide horizons and untamed wilderness, Motswari is an unforgettable experience.
John Maarschalk is a freelance photographer based in Cape Town, South Africa.
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