Sighting: The Owl with a Tail

Location: Chitabe Camp, Chitabe Concession, Botswana

Date: 10 May 2012

Observers: Anita Campbell and BB

Photographs: Anita Campbell

After a very productive morning drive and relaxing afternoon siesta, we departed for the afternoon game drive in high spirits, expecting to find some high profile wildlife. We left camp at around 16:45 and shortly after departing, we heard the familiar and characteristic alarm calls of some francolin. "Leopard?" This was the first thought that popped into everyone's mind, as this was confirmed by the expectant and excited look on everyone's faces. We veered off the beaten track and our guide, BB, had his eyes glued to the ground for fresh feline tracks whilst our eyes were combing the bush for any hint of a rosette. Our enthusiasm wore off quickly as the alarm calls faded away and we hadn't spotted any tell-tale signs of a predator in the area...

We decided to return to the road as there were no further signs leading us off road to a feline sighting. As we approached the road, we heard the francolins burst into a panic again, so this time we stopped the vehicle to take in the hints and clues. We soon spotted the panicked fowl, which were looking into the canopy of some tall trees. We followed suit and looked into the canopy. BB quickly spotted a Verreaux's Eagle-Owl. The sun was directly behind the bird, so BB moved us into a better position to observe the large raptor. As soon as the glare was out of our eyes, one of the other guests shouted, "You have owls with tails in Africa!" BB queried, "An owl with a tail?"

I thought that perhaps a leopard had lifted a kill into the tree and the owl was scavenging off the remains. BB was confused as he could not see the owl clearly, so we reversed a little so that BB could confirm our theories. After having a look, BB pointed out that the owl had been feeding on a small-spotted genet! We marvelled at the owl, which was fast asleep, not surprising as a genet is a rather unusual and large meal for an owl. As we started to leave the sighting, another eagle-owl flushed from the canopy and flew to its sleeping companion. 

This was definitely one of those special sightings of the smaller wonders... we were not disappointed that it wasn't a leopard!