Eagle owl, Istan

[harryabbott]

Had wonderful views of an eagle owl (Bubo bubo) from the shores of La Conception at Istan at twilight. I and my friend were fly fishing on La Conception in float tubes, one man rubber boats, (spanish call them patos) , wildlife doesn't see you as a threat in these things as you are right down in the water and we had golden eagle at some distance perhaps 400m,  ibex close by, and an eagle owl overhead!

The eagle owl had passed behind me while I was heading for the shore,  however,  once ashore the bird very obligingly started to call from the hill on the opposite shore and after several minutes calling leisurely flew out across the lake again in full view!
My friend who was in a slightly different area although not very far away also had it coming right over him 15 minutes earlier.
I am sure having spoken with one of the locals that this bird is regularly seen.

[Kevin Wade]

Must have been a magic moment, Harry!  Have seen one practically on the top of La Concha last summer, but this seems a little bit more accessible!

[Peter]

Sounded like a perfect moment Harry and always a thrill to see these owls. You will have to take your camera with you the next time you go fishing!!

Peter 

[harryabbott]

Hi Kevin, Peter,

Funny you should say that peter because I did go back with two birding friends and a camera and sure enough it showed up again right on cue.
Very satisfying when you have brought somebody else to see it! It very obligingly sat silouetted on top of a pine tree and called for quite a while. A very obvious "Boo oh" repeated and  its name, of course, in spanish is Buho Real so now I know why.
Obviously it was getting dark again and at some distance but a couple of record shots that give a flavour of the atmosphere.
This is not that far from La Concha where Kevin saw his bird.