On my way home tonight I was lucky enough to pass three spotted eagle owls sitting on poles with their outlines recognisable from the dumpy stance and upright ears. They are a joy to me. It feels as though all is well with the world when there are still a multitude of owls in it. I suspect mice may feel different, but in spite of being born in the year of the rat, I think owls are cool. Being able to catch them in full flash and show the true colour and ferocity of the creature is an even bigger joy – one granted to me by a patient game warden on a night drive in Hluhluwe. This picture helps me close a beautiful and colourful gestalt in my mind from the shadowy creatures I pass at sunset.

Spotted Eagle Owl landing on a branch at night