An Encounter with a Pharaoh Eagle-Owl on the Maleha Mountain Trail in Sharjah

A Pharaoh-Eagle Owl hiding inside a mountain cave

The owl was tough to spot as it concealed itself under the dark chamber of the cave

A close up during our stare down before the owl swiftly flew away

The natural rock caverns of the Maleha mountain is a perfect harborage for birds

The desert wind was blowing strong, I could hear the forceful, rushing sound as it passes thru the various rock formations of the mountain trail. I was climbing and crawling my way up the rocky surface, exploring, looking carefully inside the numerous caverns and rocky outcrops, searching. As I was crawling my way up a large cavern, a pair of orange-colored eyeballs were intensely staring at me. I was face-to-face with a Pharaoh Eagle-Owl (Bubo ascaphalus)!  The owl emerged slowly from the cave and stared at the explorer, thankfully I was able to take a few photos before it swiftly flew out of the cave. Truly Awesome! 

I have encountered and featured the much smaller spotted owlet, Athene brama last May 8th. Having another owl encounter, this time with a much larger species is such an awesome treat! You will truly forget about the intensifying heat outdoors and continue your expeditions!  

The Pharaoh Eagle-Owl (Bubo ascaphalus) 

The mottled plumage and the striking, large orange eyes makes the Pharaoh Eagle-Owl such an attractive bird of prey! The head and upper body plumage is marked with black and creamy white streaks and blotches. The lower body is pale-creamy white with reddish brown verniculations on the breast and abdomen. A dark-colored rim defines its face, similar to other owl species. It is equipped with a black and hooked bill. Crowning its head is a pair of small ear tufts.

Looking forward for another encounter with this awesome bird of prey native to North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. 

This feature will be a cliffhanger. I want to observe and learn more about this magnificent eagle-owl. This will require further expeditions into the mountain trail! My hiking boots and my camera needs to be ready and recharge for another awesome encounter! 

Awesome creatures! Awesome CREATOR!