Rufous Owls prey on Possums
> On 15 Dec 2018, at 8:24 am, Michael Hunter <> wrote:
>
> The mystery killer at Torquay prompts a question as to how avian raptors do
> actually kill their prey.
>
> Despite their great hooked beaks, Wedge-tailed Eagles kill with their claws,
> using their beaks to tear up their victims, or any carrion they eat. Or so I
> once read.
>
> Apart from Powerful Owls do any Australian Owls prey on large mammals. Mice
> are obviously caught and killed in bills, so presumably possums would be an
> extension of that technique, but, to be pedantic, does anyone really know if
> they are claw or bill killers?
>
> Another unrelated question. We have a continuous stream of many different
> bird species coming to our yard at different times of day, attracted by a
> bird feeder and kitchen scraps which they recycle.
> A family of six Purple Gallinules, including three sub-adult juveniles from
> the dam over 10Om away, very habituated to humans over the years, has invaded
> our yard.
> Initially this was a welcome development but they are there all the time,
> coming onto the verandah a and their large droppings are a big problem.
> Being habituated, when chased they walk a few metres away, look back at the
> chaser then return.
> We don't have a dog anymore and handed the shotgun in years ago.(joking).
> Any humane solutions apart from not feeding our flock ?
>
> Cheers
>
> Michael
>
> Sent from my iPhone
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