What a curious story. Lucky that there are photos. I defend the act of
suggesting an alternate identification, as we probably have all made mistakes
in our bird identifications. I do not think that makes me a "knocker". We can
only go by the information we have at the time. Such comments should be made
and received in good faith (as in this time). Sometimes they will be right and
sometimes not. It certainly looks like a Rufous Owl. The photo shows how much a
Rufous Owl looks like a Brown Goshawk in its plumage pattern, but not shape
(not something I had thought of before).
It is curious though that somehow this bit was now added which was not
mentioned at the start: "According to the photographer, it was brought over
from Queensland to the Wildlife Bird Park in Margaret River. Apparently it
escaped 2 years ago and from its appearance seems to be coping quite well by
itself." If that had been known from the start, then there would be no need to
question the record. (Maybe Amy did not know then.)
That makes the story an interesting one really only as to the birds' survival
and also it is strange it had not been reported before.
I also agree with the comment: Actually, the next question is "shouldn't the
wildlife park now be held responsible for removing this large non-native
predator?" There is benefit for all concerned if such establishments notify
wildlife authorities and local bird groups of such events, so that there is a
greater chance of such animals being refound.
Philip
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