Barn Owl - Irruption?

["Greg & Val Clancy" <>]

I flushed an Eastern Barn Owl from a partly eaten dead Black Rat on Susan 
Island, Grafton on September 5.  It was during daylight hours (morning) and 
the owl took refuge in a River Oak where I photographed it later.  This is 
only the third record for the Island the other two being in 1986 and 1998. 
The species is relatively common locally with an apparent influx, based on 
the number of roadkills, in the autumn-winter.
The possible Masked Owl at the Sturt Highway Wagga Wagga was an Eastern Barn 
Owl.  I have seen the photos.
Greg
Dr Greg. P. Clancy
Ecologist and Wildlife Guide
Coutts Crossing
NSW
www.birdrangers.com