Exploring Pigeon Valley: The Spotted Eagle-Owl pair

This is the 76th article in an ongoing series that highlights the riches of Pigeon Valley, the urban nature reserve in the heart of Glenwood. The focus of this article is on the pair of Spotted Eagle-Owls.

In February, I celebrated the fact that a Spotted Eagle-Owl has made its home in Pigeon Valley. Since then I have frequently encountered it; even if I don’t see it, I hear where it is from the complaints of other birds that mob it. A couple of times it was disturbed when I came round a corner, but at other times, if I approach slowly, it will fix its eyes on me but not fly off.

Recently, as if aware of the need to cater to its client base who are not able to enter the reserve, it has been positioned just above the fence, looking out towards the road. This morning, as soon as I looked up into an avocado tree (there are a few mango and avocade trees that remain in the reserve) I saw the owl in the sunlight.

ALSO READ: Exploring Pigeon Valley: The Crested Barbet

When I looked through binoculars, I was overjoyed to see a pair. I felt under immense scrutiny, with two pairs of eyes trained on me! There is something magical and mysterious about these birds, and it is not surprising that in some cultures they are seen as wise and others as harbingers of doom.

This means that we may be witnessing the re-establishment of a breeding population in the area, which will in turn put pressure on the local rat population. Just a reminder that the greatest threat to these birds is the use of rat poison, though there are now available more acceptable ways of tackling rats.

Crispin Hemson chairs the Friends of Pigeon Valley, a group that undertakes clearing of alien plants, keeps records of bird and mammal sightings and alerts management to any problems.

The Friends have a monthly walk at 7.30am on the second Saturday of each month. Email: friendsofpigeonvalley1@gmail.com.

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