During one of my journeys through Western Japan, I had the pleasure of visiting a bird sanctuary where I beheld a most striking creature—the Spotted Wood Owl (Strix seloputo). Native to the tropical forests and wooded lowlands of Southeast Asia, this magnificent owl is seldom seen beyond its natural range, making its presence in the sanctuary all the more remarkable.
Distinguished by its richly barred plumage of warm chestnut and cream, the Spotted Wood Owl possesses a dark facial disc framed by concentric rings, lending it an expression both solemn and wise. Its eyes, deep and dark, seem ever on the verge of slumber, while its beak, tinged with a soft orange hue, stands out prominently against its subtly marked face. Unlike many of its kin, this species lacks the prominent ear tufts so often associated with owls, and instead bears a smooth, rounded crown.
To encounter such a noble bird in quiet repose, far from its native forests, was a singular experience—one that lingers in memory as a testament to the silent beauty and mystery of the natural world.
Fujifilm XPro2
Fujinon 16-55mm f2.8
Linking Saturday Critter
No comments:
Post a Comment
Your comments are always appreciated. Thank you kindly for the kind visits