New Zealand's Ruru, or the Morepork if you prefer, has really caused a stir in its first go-round. In the largest win of this year's games, it more than doubled the score of its competition, the Spotted Eagle Owl, and also earned the highest score of any owl thus far! This quirky little wide-eyed hawk owl not only captured the spirit of our resident Discworld fans (the twin cities of Ankh-Morepork are central to many stories), but also picked up many new fans with its bold and expressive looks. If anyone looks like they could shake up this tournament from going to the same final 4 contestants this year, it is Ruru!
Opposite the Morepork, we have the loveable giant from Southeast Asia, the beautiful but also slightly silly looking Buffy Fish Owl. Buffy surprised many owl lovers in the first Owl of the Year, and has been coming back ever since. The fish owl's softer facial disc helps make it look a little less serious and intense, and the floppy plumicorns add a charming touch to its overall look.
New Zealand only has one owl of its own, and it's a darn fine example of one. Buffy is the last of 3 fish owls left, and could be the one to squeak through with a win once again. Who is going to be the winner today? Upvote your choice now!
I try to capture each bird's full range of "personality" in just 3 photos, so sometimes that is fairly extreme! 😊