Notice how my feathers blend perfectly with the trees around me. That’s years of evolution, my friend. Stealth. Elegance. Mystery. Not easy maintaining this level of excellence in the middle of a jungle full of noisy monkeys and gossiping peacocks. And before you ask, yes, I still spend most of my time near the lakes and waterholes around the Mahoora Tented Safari Camp in Wilpattu. Plenty of fish there. Frogs too. Occasionally a crab if I’m feeling adventurous. One must diversify one’s palate.”

“People always assume owls are wise. Truth is, we just stare very intensely and remain quiet long enough for everyone else to feel nervous. Works every time. Unlike many of my cousins, I’m not built for silent flying. Oh no, when I take off, everyone nearby knows about it. Bit embarrassing for a professional hunter, honestly. Fortunately, my eyesight makes up for it. I can spot movement incredibly well, even in low light. Handy skill when dinner is trying to hide in muddy water. Also, between you and me, daytime naps are becoming increasingly difficult around Wilpattu. Every year there seem to be more photographers creeping around bushes whispering things like, ‘There! On that branch!’ Very stressful lifestyle for a humble owl.”

This latest portrait of Owlpacino was captured during a peaceful afternoon in Wilpattu National Park, where the owl appeared both mildly suspicious and deeply unimpressed by the attention. Perched comfortably among the trees near the waterways frequented by guests of the Mahoora Tented Safari Camp in Wilpattu, the Brown Fish Owl seemed determined to maintain at least some dignity this time around.