A pair of Spotted Eagle Owls have made our chimney their home. The Spotted Eagle Owl is actually the commonest large owl in Southern Africa, occurring in a variety of habitats from woodlands to forest patches.
During the day the two of them will hide in the chimney, only peeking out now and again. It looks like they have each chosen a “side” to guard and I had to walk around the house to get a look at the male Spotted Eagle Owl from the other side of the chimney.
Most afternoons though you can spot them as they sit on the edge of the chimney before they take off to perch in one of their favourite tees before hunting at dusk.
These owls hunt a variety of prey from beetles and large crickets to small mammals such as bats and mice.
After sunset you can hear their distinctive call as these two Spotted Eagle Owls call to each other from across the garden. We are hoping that they will nest in one of the nest boxes we have placed in some of the trees as they breed mainly from August to October.
Janaline's world journey 
Gorgeous and intriguing!
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They are such beautiful birds…hopefully this weekend I will be able to get a proper photo of the female
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Awwww, they are totally adorable Janaline and you’ve captured them so well! You’re so lucky to have them there. 😀
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Thanks Sonel! I am now learning all I can about these beautiful owls and enjoying every mnoment of it!!
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That’s fantastic – and lovely photos. We have an owl in the woodland near our house and we can hear it at night but haven’t seen it yet…
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I hope you get to spot it soon Suzanne, they are such beautiful creatures to have around. And they keep the rats in control!
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Such wonderful shots, thanks for sharing them never seen one before, but now I have and also know its name…God bless!
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Thanks Wendell! I confess this was a first for me as well!!
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Lucky you! They look so mystical yet the peekaboo is so whimsical. Great capture too!
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She hasnt allowed me to get a shot of het yet….but hopefully soon she will be used to the camera and come out instead of just peeking at me!
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What a fantastic privilege that they chose your chimney!
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I agree, I do hope they stay for the long run and make the garden theirs!
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🙂 do keep us up to date on their progress….
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So jealous, Janaline! Lucky you. Post more pics when you can. 😉
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I will definitely do Ruth. Going to try and get a full capture of the female…..as soon as she stops being so camera shy!!
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wow, this is too cool
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I am actually now learning about the different owls and getting to hear their calls at night….Love it!!
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Nice capture!
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Thank you!!
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Lovely photos Janaline, how lovely to have such magnificent creatures around you. It’s to be hoped they move out before you need to use that chimney!
Jude xx
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I hope so Jude. We have put up some owl boxes around the garden now and hopefully they will move into one of these…..
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How marvelous–I like the images that show bits and pieces of these majesty creatures.
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Thank you!! I am quite glad that she is rather curious than shy!
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Neat! They’ve found a home in your house.
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Only down side is that we wont be able to use that fireplace in the winter if they stay.
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Wonderful images!
~Lindy
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Thanks Lindy! They are such beautiful birds…looking forward to seeing a lot more of them!
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That’s pretty cool! I take it you don’t use that chimney very often!
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Its summer at the moment here in South-Africa so no need so far…..but will definitely not be using it again if they continue living there!
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Gorgeous! That peeking photo is so sweet 🙂
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Thank you! She kept her eyes on me but wouldnt come out so that I could get a full shot of her.
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Like they are playing ‘peek a boo’ with you!
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They definitely do keep an eye on me….they are just as curious about me I think.
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Enchanting!
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They are the best!!
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