Pel's Fishing Owl (Scotopelia peli)
The Pel's Fishing Owl is something of an enigma with Southern African birders. A very large owl, ginger to rufous in colour with dark streaks and spots and large black eyes. Immature birds are paler than adults. The fishing owl hunts at night from overhanging trees 1 to 2 meters above the water. They heavily rely on sound to catch surfacing fish. Breeding time in the Lowveld is typically from March to April. The bird is rare in South Africa and is listed as Vulnerable in the Red Data Book. Habitat destruction and deteriorating ecological conditions of river systems, due to water pollution, pose the greatest threat to the Pel's Fishing Owl.
Directions
Olifants Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park offers a daily guided River Walk which departs directly after the conclusion of the Morning Walk. Guests may request to search for the Pel's Fishing Owl on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday mornings. Please note that the trip to the Pel's Fishing Owls will take place at the guide's discretion. Visiting during the dry winter months will increase your chances of sighting these elusive bird.
Please reserve at Olifants Rest Camp reception and make contact with the guide the day before departure to inform him/her of your request.
GPS Coordinates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Olifants Rest Camp | S24° 00.064 | E31° 44.130 |