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Rufous Owl Photos

To: "David Stowe" <>, <>
Subject: Rufous Owl Photos
From: "Philip Veerman" <>
Date: Thu, 13 Sep 2007 16:50:16 +1000
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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