Spotted owlets sighted in Sehgal market park
Look who got spotted at the Sehgal Market 2 park? A pair of spotted owlets, screeching to vie for attention, are eye candy for morning walkers these days! They have been roosting on one particular branch of the magnificent Siris tree for almost a month now, and are a delight to watch. Contrary to the common belief that owls sleep during the day, they are seen (with eyes wide open) responding to whistles, bending their heads downwards, and staring at passersby with silent yellow eyes. They are adorable!
Spotted owlets are the commonest owlets (breeding residents), called owlets because of their small size, and can be easily spotted in open green spaces in Delhi. They roost during the day and can be heard before they can be seen, because of their distinct wheezy screech. They have greyish brown plumage with white spots hence the name. Young birds are more thickly marked white. While they huddle in pairs, hiding behind leaves during the day, you can easily spot them flying and hunting at night. They feed on reptiles, insects, and even small birds and mammals. They nest in holes in trees, walls and cliffs.
Did you know…owls can rotate their heads 270 degrees, on the horizontal level! And that it is the ‘Vaahan’ of goddess Laxmi. Though some people think they are inauspicious, I think they are a good omen. The mere sight of them early morning fills us with joy and is a good start to our day! So, while the pair is still there on the Siris tree, don’t miss the opportunity to spot the owlets and marvel at their beauty.
