Glenorie Probus Club had very interesting guest speakers this month. Georgia Cameron from Sydney Wildlife Rescue and Michael Byles gave a talk on the Powerful Owls.
They are locals to Byles Creek Valley and have studied the Owls for more than a decade. Michael is a musician who has written several songs about them and Georgia is an author who has written about them. They also bought their special guest “Budawa” the preserved Powerful Owl specimen.
They are the largest Owl native to Australia with a wingspan up to 140 cm and body length up to 65 cm. It is listed as a Threatened Species with a Vulnerable conservation status in NSW. Unlike in a vast majority of owl species, the male is slightly larger than the female on average.
An apex predator in its narrow distribution, powerful owls are often opportunists, but generally are dedicated to hunting arboreal mammals, in particular small to medium-sized marsupials such as ring-tailed possums, which can comprise about three-quarters of their diet. Generally, this species lives in primary forests with tall, native trees, but can show some habitat flexibility when not nesting.
Georgina went on to relate the tale of Mickey the Powerful Owlet and the saving of Byles Creek Valley in Beecroft and Pennant Hills, an area of approximately 350 hectares. Georgina and Michael had given names to all the powerful owls in this area, and it was clear they had become quite attached to this particular parliament. She spoke of Bethany’s rescue, and of little Iggy, born earlier this year.
It was an interesting and in formative talk about Powerful Owls and a night visitor in our area.
Once again the Club visited Galston High School for our monthly morning tea and relaxing meeting.
The Club meets on the at 11.00am on the 4th Wednesday of the month at Glenorie RSL and new members are welcome.
Contact Wendy Black on 9653 1022 or email [email protected]
