Barn Owl
Last night we were invited to dinner at our friends’ home. They had a lovely outdoor fire going and we sat around eating and talking until quite late. On our way home we saw a Barn Owl fly off from the side of the road.
Now this in itself is not all that notable, because this species is widespread throughout many parts of rural Australia. What is notable, however, is the fact that I have not recorded this species near or at home for several years, despite being widespread and relatively common.
It was a lovely finish to a special evening.
Spotted Nightjar
Spotted Nightjar
Yesterday I visited the Pangarinda Arboretum at Wellington East. This arboretum is about 30km south of Murray Bridge South Australia (or about 90km SE of Adelaide). For the last four weeks a single Spotted Nightjar has been roosting in the one location within the arboretum. It has been observed close up by quite a few people in that time.
Yesterday we were able to approach to within 2 metres to take photos without disturbing the bird. It was amazing to observe the cryptic markings on the feathers making it very hard to see as it roosted in a little hollow it had made next to several tufts of grass. Several days ago one of the volunteers received a shock when he disturbed the bird while weeding around some of the plants growing there. The bird puffed itself up and hissed at him. He thought he was about to be attacked by some strange reptilian creature!
This is one species that I had dismissed as being able to get a good close up photo of. One should never say never.
This post updated on 12th October 2015.
Spotted Nightjar
The Hawk Conservancy UK
No Comments »1st June, 2006; Category: Eagles Hawks and Kites, Owls Frogmouths and Nightjars, Raptors
In 2005 my daughter went to the UK on a teaching exchange. While there she took many opportunities to see the countryside and the many historical sites there. During her travels she drove past The Hawk Conservancy in Andover. She stopped and spent some time there, knowing her father’s interest in birds.
On her return she gave us each a mug from the conservancy. It sits on the table next to my computer as I write this post. A beautiful mug indeed with pictures of owls on it.
Web Site
Out of curiosity I checked the web site of the conservancy. I found it to be quite brilliant, with many photos of raptors from around the world. There was also a great deal of information about many of the species featured. Well worth a visit.
Click here to visit the website.
Southern Boobook Owl
1 Comment »16th May, 2006; Category: Garden birds, Murray Bridge, Nocturnal birds, Owls Frogmouths and Nightjars
Cold Night
Late last Saturday evening we were travelling back from visiting relatives in Jamestown in the mid-north of South Australia. It had been a lovely autumn day, clear sky, lovely sunshine and no wind. As soon as the sun set, the air had a sudden chill, as if a frost was settling in for the night. We saw the full moon rising soon after sunset.
Night Driving Hazards
As we travelled past the pine forests south of Jamestown I was on the alert for kangaroos on the road. Nephew Steve had warned me before we left to be on the alert as he had killed four roos in recent years in that area. When travelling rural South Australia I am always on the lookout, usually for sheep that have strayed through fences on to the road. Kangaroos and, in some parts, wombats, are very dangerous hazards on our roads, especially at night.
Wombats
Fortunately I had hit very few kangaroos, probably about five, in all my years of driving in Australia. I have never hit a sheep or cow and I never want to hit a wombat. It would be like hitting a rock, I’d imagine. I came close to one crossing the road one night near Swan Reach. Scary!
Owl
Now back to the bird sighting last Saturday night. At first I thought there was a rabbit sitting on the side of the road. As it flew off into the darkness I realised my mistake. At first I thought it was a Barn Owl, but the markings were all wrong; it was too dark. It had to be a Southern Boobook Owl, one of Australia’s most widespread and best known owls.
Its “boo-book” call is a familiar nocturnal sound throughout rural Australia. It is even heard in built up regions where suitable habitat exists. I have only heard it on one occasion near our home in Murray Bridge despite it being resident in the area. We have heard it far more often in Clare near my daughter’s home. It is a species more often heard than seen.
Update: I’ve just recorded it for the second time in our garden. To read about it click here. The article includes a photo. Posted on 4th May 2010