Alex,
It is apparently an uncommon occurrence & thus hard to make
generalisations. I have observed several pairs regularly over the
past 5 years & have never been aware of a threat display aimed at me
or unease on the part of the bird(s).
Until, while observing a female & 2 juveniles that were roosting
quite high & quite unconcerned by my presence, I was hit by the male
I had not seen. The attack was obviously aimed for my eyes with one
talon hooking under the eyebrow.
It was only one pass but he landed about 4m away & seemed intent on
coming back. He looked much more hawk like at this point with neck
extended & facial feathers flattened. However his break from cover
was observed by a couple of kookaburras who immediately mobbed him to
the point he retreated back up under the canopy.
I have looked for any differences on that day but apart from being
early & relatively dark from heavy overcast there was nothing unusual.
The common wisdom suggests that the risk is greatest during nesting -
mid May to early September - & close to the nest. However I was hit
in late November.
Otherwise they have always been a delight to watch with much more to
them than just a finely tuned hunting machine.
See also http://www.owlpages.com/owls.php?genus=Ninox&species=strenua
Regards, Chris
Chris Charles
0412 911 184
33deg 47'30"S
151deg10'09"E
On 05/08/2008, at 12:27 PM, Alex Zorba wrote:
Thank you all for your insight and kind comments about the image.
Chris wrote "Also be aware that they may strike at you"
Chris,
By "striking" do you mean taking a quick swipe at you or a
prolonged attack?
This has obviously happened before and It would be interesting to
hear about
it. What would be a safe veiwing distance? I dont particularly want to
disturb these birds or any others for that matter. This bird was
unphased by
my presence but if I had noticed signs of discomfort/unease I would
have
backed right off. What would these be if any?...the bird didnt make
a sound.
Regards,
Alex
On Sun, Aug 3, 2008 at 10:38 PM, Alex Zorba <>
wrote:
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