The Who’s Hoo of Cape Town

Are you planning a trip to Cape Town? There’s so much to see and do in this vibrant city. With its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and diverse culture, there’s something for everyone. So, if you’re wondering what makes Cape Town such a special place, let me fill you in.

The Diversity of Nature

One of the things that sets Cape Town apart is its stunning natural beauty. From the iconic Table Mountain to the pristine beaches, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor activities. Whether you’re a nature lover or an adventure seeker, there’s always something to do. Hike up the mountain, take a dip in the ocean, or explore the picturesque winelands. The possibilities are endless.

The Cultural Melting Pot

Cape Town is also known for its rich cultural heritage. It’s a melting pot of different cultures, languages, and traditions. From the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood to the vibrant townships, you’ll find a mix of influences everywhere you go. The food, music, and art scene reflect this diversity, making Cape Town a truly cosmopolitan city.

The Historical Tapestry

When it comes to history, Cape Town has a story to tell. As one of the oldest cities in South Africa, it has a rich and complex past shaped by colonization and apartheid. From the historic landmarks like Robben Island to the District Six Museum, you can delve into the fascinating history of the city. These sites serve as a reminder of the resilience and spirit of the people.

The Culinary Delights

If you’re a food lover, you’re in for a treat in Cape Town. The city is a hub of culinary delights, offering a wide range of flavors and cuisines. From world-class restaurants to vibrant markets, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Whether you crave fresh seafood, spicy curries, or decadent desserts, Cape Town has it all.

The Vibrant Nightlife

When the sun goes down, Cape Town comes alive with its vibrant nightlife. From trendy bars to world-class clubs, there’s no shortage of entertainment options. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away or enjoy a relaxed drink with friends, Cape Town’s nightlife scene has something for everyone.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Cape Town, get ready for an unforgettable experience. With its natural beauty, cultural diversity, rich history, delicious food, and vibrant nightlife, this city has it all. Come and discover the who’s hoo of Cape Town.

Spotting celebrities in Cape Town is a popular activity, especially if you’re interested in birdwatching. I wanted to understand what makes the region’s most famous owl family so intriguing, so I spoke with a dedicated photographer who can’t get enough of them.

Photography: Rob Mousley

Owls have a bad reputation in some places, even here in Southern Africa. People often see them as evil omens, and if an owl lands on your roof, it’s thought to mean something terrible is going to happen. This perception is probably because owls are nocturnal creatures that fly silently and make eerie sounds, like the barn owl’s scream. But in reality, owls are actually quite beneficial to have around. They love eating rats, mice, and cockroaches, which keeps those pests under control. And their silent flight is not a spooky power; it’s just a result of the unique structure of their feathers.

Wow, check out this amazing Noordhoek spotted eagle owlet! It was just born and is only a little over a week old. The female owl spent a solid 40 days sitting on the nest, while the male owl flew around and brought her food.

Did you know that owls can fly silently? It’s true! When birds flap their wings, it usually creates sound due to the air turbulence. But not owls. They have big wings compared to their size, which helps them glide through the air. They also have special feathers that reduce the noise when they do need to flap their wings. These feathers have comb-like serrations on the leading edge that break up the air turbulence, and the wings and legs are covered in velvety feathers that absorb any sound. This makes it easier for owls to hear the movements of their prey in the dark and sneak up on them without being heard. Talk about being a master of stealth!

Did you know that Southern Africa is home to 12 different owl species? It’s pretty impressive, right? These owls come in all shapes and sizes. The African scops owl is the tiniest of the bunch, weighing only 60 grams. Its call sounds like a frog going “prrrpp,” and it’s a sound that Kruger park enthusiasts are very familiar with. On the other end of the spectrum, we have the Verreaux’s eagle owl, which weighs a whopping 2-3 kilograms and has beautiful pink eyelids.

But out of all the owls in Southern Africa, the one that most South Africans are acquainted with is the spotted eagle owl. You might be wondering why that is. Well, it’s because these owls have adapted well to urban environments. Unlike their cousins, they are perfectly at home in the city. You can find them wherever there are open spaces for hunting at night and cozy hiding spots for them to rest during the day.

Have you ever seen a spotted eagle owl? They are fascinating birds with their unique appearance! Spotted eagle owls are quite big and have a grayish color. Their bodies are covered in bars on the front and blotches on the rest of their body. This camouflage helps them hide during the daytime.

But what really makes spotted eagle owls stand out are their eyes and their “ear” tufts. Their eyes are a piercing yellow color, which is quite striking. And on top of their heads, they have these tufts that look like ears. But guess what? They don’t actually use these tufts for hearing! Their real ears are on the sides of their heads.

Hey there! Let me tell you a fascinating story about the Amelia Earhart owlet, who got her name from the famous pilot. She was a natural flyer, but when it came to landing, things weren’t so smooth. It was quite a struggle for her to find suitable branches to land on.

During the nighttime, you might hear pairs of owlets calling out to each other. It’s quite an interesting conversation! The male starts with a double hoot, and then the female responds with a triple hoot. They might look similar, but they have different roles when it comes to nesting. The female takes care of incubating the eggs while the male brings her food. Once the eggs hatch, both parents work together to provide food for the young owlets.

When it comes to what spotted eagle owls eat, they have quite the menu. They’re not picky eaters, chowing down on insects, mice, rats, birds, and even reptiles. It’s fascinating how they can devour their prey whole, and then later on, regurgitate the parts that they can’t digest, like bones. This whole process creates something called pellets, which actually come in handy for us humans.

If you’re curious about what an owl has been eating or if there’s an owl hiding nearby, these pellets are like little clues for us to investigate. They give us insight into the owl’s diet and can help us understand if there’s a resting owl nearby. So, if you stumble upon one of these pellets, consider yourself lucky because it’s like finding a secret message from nature.

In Cape Town, there are several celebrity spotted eagle owls that have caught the attention of many people. One of the most well-known pairs of these owls resides in a hanging flower basket at the entrance to Kirstenbosch. But it is the Noordhoek common owls that have gained global recognition, thanks to photographer Rob Mousley. He has dedicated himself to documenting the daily activities of these birds and shares his findings on a regular basis through his Instagram account, @robmousleyphotography. The Noordhoek owl community, both locally and internationally, enthusiastically follows the captivating lives of these birds, which are as intriguing as any soap opera.

Once upon a time, something terrible happened. In January 2020, a car took the life of a grown-up lady owl. It’s a dangerous world out there for birds, especially when they hunt near roads. This left behind two young owls who still needed their parents to bring them food. Luckily, the male owl stepped up and managed to bring enough prey for both babies to grow their wings and leave their nest. And then, something amazing happened. The male owl found a new partner and they started a new chapter together, filled with happiness and hope.

When I was about a month old, I started growing feathers on my wings, but I still had fluff all over my body.

This year, my parents successfully built a nest, although we lost one of my siblings early on. But I’m thriving! Our nest is in a tree hollow, and it gives me a great view of all the people who come to see us. I feel a bit like a Roman emperor up here, looking down on everyone. By late January, I had gotten pretty good at flying, but I still relied on my parents to bring me food. Although, I did manage to scavenge some beetles while I was exploring.

If you’re in the Deep South, you should definitely come visit us. My dad, Rob, is easy to spot with his huge camera lens, and he’s the best way to find our nest.

Interesting things about feathers

Did you know that Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, was often represented by an owl symbol? It’s fascinating how these creatures are associated with wisdom and knowledge.

Owls have a unique way of perceiving their environment. Because their eyes are fixed in position, they have to move their heads around to build a 3D image of what’s around them. It’s almost like they’re putting together a puzzle to see the world.

And here’s something incredible: owls can rotate their heads up to 270 degrees in either direction when facing forward. Imagine that! If an owl is initially looking at you over its back, it can turn its head a full 360 degrees. It’s like they have eyes on the back of their heads!