A small spotted owl called the morepork (or Ruru). I have heard them so often at night all over New Zealand with their plaintive 'more-pork' sound, but I can't recall ever seeing one before. I am sorry this one didn't have his eyes wide open. It would have made a much better photo. This was taken at the Kiwi Birdlife Park in Queenstown.
and why would they have their eyes open in the daytime, they are sleeping! i actually rather call them ruru, i find i cant really hear their call when i have the words more pork in my mind.
