The Oriental Bay Owl Phodilus badius is supposed to be a bird of the lowland forest but here is one up at Kinabalu Park, just over 1,500 metres above sea level.  A definite altitude record for this beautiful owl.  It was perching upright against the trunk of the tree, perhaps giving it additional stealth in this daytime roost.  When I took this photo in fading light, the bird was just slowly opening its eyes.  I think it would be great fun for someone who has never seen this bird before to spot the location of the eyes when they are closed.

Thanks to Andy Boyce and Adam Mitchell of the University of Montana Avian Life History project.