I understand that feathers were collected for DNA analysis to determine its sex. I don’t think that this has been done. I’ve recorded Powl’s hoots but don’t know anyone who is prepared to assess its sex from its calls. I’ve been informed
that:
“The Powerful Owls' characteristic call is a loud, slow double hoot woo-hoo, sounding mournful but 'big' and powerful with a far-carrying, ringing quality…….In males the second note is slightly lower than the
first, whereas in females the second note is often slightly higher. Sometimes a single hooting note is given."
Whatever its sex, it has clearly set up its territory around Haig Park, Turner. I presume this could include Black Mountain, Mount Ainslie and Mount Majura. It’s been around for over 16 months.
Powerful owls nest in very large tree-hollows. Such hollows won’t be found around Turner. I expect that if a member of the opposite sex comes by, they’ll move on to find a suitable nesting site.
Powl is being seen less frequently with mammalian prey over the past few months. This could cause it to move on. If it’s still around in the Spring, young brushtails will again be plentiful. When it first arrived it was regularly seen with
sugar gliders and ringtails, and sometimes brushtails.
John Bundock
0400249429
From: Denise Kay [
Sent: Friday, 8 April 2016 8:29 PM
To: John Bundock
Cc: Canberra Birds
Subject: Re: [canberrabirds] RE: Powl Prey and Position
do we know if Powl is male or female ?
Assuming it is male has it set up territory in the Turner Pines ?
Assuming it is female ..ditto
if so how long before we expect to see Mrs/ Mr Powl do you think ?
Or will Powl decamp to another camp once he/she has found the right partner and nesting conveniences ?
Is there an accessible website/ whatever that will answer these questions ?
or are we learning as we watch ?
I feel like a Powl family member now which is why my mind strays to the future .
Denise Kay
Giralang Pond Wetland Group
On 8 Apr 2016, at 5:31 pm, John Bundock <> wrote:
Powl back in usual tree: 2nd pinoak from street. No prey. Difficult to see but easy to find. It had parked
itself above a car windscreen.
Powl in one of its winter quarters today. 3rd pine (or second cypress) from street, beside drain, club side. Best viewed
from base of drain (dry) beside tree to about 10 feet back towards street.
