I have a confession to make. I was not traveling to Monaco to find animals.
Monaco is the richest country in wealth, but probably the poorest in fauna. To be honest, I didn’t expect to find wildlife before I came.
While at the Monte Carlo Country Club, I encountered a barn owl (Tyto alba) unexpectedly perched on a clay tennis court during the day.
Typically nocturnal, seeing one in broad daylight was intriguing. It may have been disoriented or searching for prey, drawn away from its more natural habitat.
The stark contrast of its mottled feathers against the vibrant clay court created a striking image, reminding me of the delicate balance between wildlife and urban environments.
This sighting underscores the importance of preserving natural habitats, even in bustling areas like Monaco, where such birds can still find refuge amidst the urban landscape.