Exhausted Scops Owl in Katavi today

Exhausted Scops Owl in Katavi today
>
> no, not a large hand, a small owl.
>
> the hardback version of ZTP is the book to use, far more text and in this case actual diagrams of the wings just in case you are ever lucky enough to see / find a European Scops Owl.
>
> the very short 10th primary and the relatively short 9th, well short of the wing tip, identify this as an African Scops Owl.
>
> this bird can be very common, occurring at high densities in both Acacia and Miombo woodlands.
>
> Neil
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Adam Kennedy
> To: Neil and Liz Baker
> Sent: Sunday, September 06, 2009 4:55 PM
> Subject: Exhausted Scops Owl in Katavi today
>
>
> Hi Neil,
>
> See attached images of a Scops that flew into our main dining room at 10:15am today and promptly passed out, showing all the signs of a very tired migrant. The bird is currently sleeping in my tent until sunset.
>
> We do have a resident pair of Scops here that we hear often but rarely see but they are usually roosting at this time of day.
>
> As I only carry F&S with me (I know it's not popular but I had no space for other books!), I'd be grateful if you can tell me the best way to differenciate Eurasian from African Scops owls in the hand, just in case this is a migrant Eurasian. It would be a shame to miss an opportunity!
>
> In case you think this might be a Eurasian (despite date and location!), you can call me on 0789 718169 so we can talk through biometrics etc.
>
> Cheers
>
> Adam
>
>
> Neil and Liz Baker, Tanzania Bird Atlas, P.O. Box 1605, Iringa, Tanzania.
> Mobiles: 0776-360876 and 0776-360864.
> http://tanzaniabirdatlas.com
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