Re: Barn Owl pair attacked by Raven(s)

Further to Russell's posting about Barn Owls possibly breeding near Geelong, Victoria.

The Atlas of Victorian Wildlife has (old) breeding records of Barn Owls from the You Yangs area (north east of Geelong) although I have no dates or other details at present.

The old Atlas of Victorian Birds (Emison et. al. 1987. p. 164) notes that:
'When prey is plentiful Barn Owls nest at any time of the year, often in high densities...'

I was recently near Rutherglen and there were high numbers of Black-shouldered Kites as a result of a House Mouse influx into Victoria.  Interestingly we made no observations of kites near Chiltern where we were staying at the time.

I wonder whether there are increased mouse numbers in the Geelong region which may be assisting Baa Owl observations and/or breeding (?).

Martin O'Brien
Melbourne