Residents of Middelburg could hardly believe their eyes when they saw a spotted eagle-owl perched on top of a car on October 5.

Brett Nurden and his wife noticed the unusual sight before his appointment at Life Midmed Hospital. The massive owl was sitting on the front of the car, its golden-yellow eyes drawing attention in broad daylight just before 10:00.

“When the doctor heard about the owl, he came out to look as well,” Nurden said.

The receptionist at the doctor’s consulting rooms offered the owl a little water in a cup. “The owl actually drank some of the water,” Nurden said.

According to Nurden, it appeared as though the owl had sustained a minor injury, which was why it was resting on the car.

Someone nearby then contacted a rehabilitation centre.

Animal SOS at human hospital

Nurden and his son Reginald stepped in to help safely capture the owl. They covered it with a jacket to shield it from the harsh sun. It was later confirmed that the winged visitor was indeed a spotted eagle-owl.

This species reaches about 45–50cm in length and can weigh between 500g and 1.1kg.

Thriving among homes and humans

The spotted eagle-owl is regarded as the most common eagle-owl species. Its golden-yellow eyes are one of the key features that distinguish it from the Cape eagle-owl. Even after leaving the nest, young owls still retain downy white feathers around the head.

The next time you hear a ‘hoo-hoo’, it could very well be a male spotted eagle-owl calling. The female often replies with her own ‘hoo-hoo’, and she can also make hissing and clicking sounds when agitated.

Spotted eagle-owls are found in most habitats, with the exception of forests, and can sometimes even be spotted in gardens.

They are well adapted to human settlements, where they nest, raise their chicks and hunt. Sometimes they simply perch on overhead wires, roofs or – as on that day – cars.

After its unusual visit to the parking area, the owl is now safe at a rehabilitation centre.