Hidden Among the Stones: The Owl No One Expected
On July 7, 2025, in the shimmering heat of Kirthar National Park, we experienced a moment that will stay with us forever. While scanning the dry veins of the Malir River, our team froze. In a crevice shaded by an ancient rock ledge sat a bird many never dream of seeing in southern Pakistan: a Brown Fish Owl (Ketupa zeylonensis).
With its broad shoulders and mottled brown plumage, it almost vanished into the stone. But when it turned, its enormous yellow eyes locked onto ours—eyes so bright they seemed to glow. In that instant, we were reminded that nature’s resilience can outshine any hardship.
This owl is rare even in Pakistan, more often found near dense forests and wetlands. Yet here it was, roosting in the wild canyons of Sindh—proving that even as drought, heatwaves, and shifting seasons tighten their grip, there are still places where life endures.
Sindh’s weather, though challenging, also creates these surprising havens. The warm, rugged cliffs of Kirthar can offer perfect shelter and vantage points for the Brown Fish Owl to hunt, including along riverbeds that in wetter times brim with fish and crabs. Many don’t realize this owl has even been seen hunting along the coastal creeks near Hub River—a true testament to its adaptability.
The excitement spread quickly when Zafeer A. Shaikh, admin of the Birds of Sindh Facebook group, shared stunning pictures and video clips of this majestic bird. His dedication to documenting and celebrating our wildlife inspires countless people to look more closely at the world around them. In a time when it is easy to feel disheartened by environmental loss, this encounter feels like a spark—reminding us that there is still so much worth protecting.
As the owl watched us calmly, unhurried and unafraid, it became clear that these moments can transform how we see our land. They awaken a sense of wonder and a duty to defend the fragile ecosystems that support both birds and people.
May this sighting encourage everyone—from passionate birders to curious children—to keep exploring, keep sharing, and keep believing in the power of nature to heal.