G’day Chris,
After discussing your description with a
collegue in the ANWC and after checking a few specimens we reckon what you have
is almost certainly an immature Powerful Owl. We have come to this conclusion
based on size – the mainland race of the Masked Owl is nowhere near as
big as people think it is, it is only about 2/3 the size of a female Powerful
Owl (but size is relative) – the colour of the breast which in an
immature PO is often white (downy feathers and only a few of the adult chevrons
showing clearly). The entire front of most male MO is almost entirely snowy
white with just a few spots whereas most female MO are gingery on the breast.
You do not mention the owl having a distinct mask a la the Barn Owl group. This
would rule out the MO. The description of very fat round body could indicate a
young bird. The wingspan of nearly 1 metre would also point to a PO. The habitat is not that
unusual for either species of owl. Powerful Owls are known to move (especially young
birds) into what may not be considered optimum habitat but so long as there is
food (possums, larger birds etc) they are happy to stay there. With the fires
in previous years in the Ranges to the west of Canberra having an impact on owl
and prey habitat, this could be a bird looking for somewhere to hole up until
things recover somewhat.
Hope this helps somewhat,
Cheers,
Mark
