From Pepito Baldeo
The Cebu Boobook (Ninox rumseyi) is a small but mighty owl found only on Cebu Island - and nowhere else on Earth!
With its piercing eyes, soft brown feathers, and a haunting “boo-book” call, it is a symbol of hope and resilience. Once thought extinct due to deforestation, it was miraculously rediscovered in the 1990s. But today, it remains critically endangered, clinging to survival in the island’s few remaining forest patches.
Tabunan, Cebu City, Philippines
May 18, 2025
Sony A7RM5, Sony FE 200-600mm G OSS
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I hadn’t looked at it full scale so I hadn’t noticed. It’s a bit of an odd pic in general, but I just took at as this person took the photo in a hurry under not ideal situations since it would possibly be the only chance they’d ever get to photograph this bird and made the best of it.
Here’s what would probably be considered a better photo. I’m not a photographer, but this one to me feels like the owl may have been lit up with lights, which many seem to frown on blasting owls at night with lighting, but that is what it is.
Population is estimated to be 250-1000 of these left in the world, so I’ll take what I can get! One day one of these pics is going to be the equivalent of that last Tasmanian Tiger photo.
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Fair enough.
The Little Owl thread has a ton of fun images that are nice and sharp, with a lot of its quirkiness captured perfectly, so be sure to check that one out if you haven’t yet.
I always try to put out a decent variety of things each day so there should be something for everyone to enjoy!
