Powerful Owl

Ninox strenua

Appearance:
Large owl
Rounded tail
Grey-brown plumage with white barring
Off-white underside with dark, v-shaped markings
Dark grey facial disc 
Large yellow eyes
Dull yellow feet with large, sharp talons




 




Having been told of a Powerful Owl perched in a tree in Williamstown, we stopped by to have a look.  Sure enough, there he was, halfway up a plane tree right next to a row of parked cars.  As I was looking for the best position for a photograph, a number of locals stopped to fill me in; apparently,  this is a regular hangout for the bird.  One young man even showed me his photos of the owl .... with a possum in his huge claws.  That really wasn't something I wanted to see.   Thanks anyway.

Learn more about the Powerful Owl.

Brown Falcon

Falco berigora

Appearance:
Small to medium-sized raptor
Rounded tail
Brown upperparts, ranging from light to very dark brown
Pale buff underparts
Red-brown head with narrow, black stripe below eye
Light crown
Off-white chin
Spotted red-brown wings with dark brown quills
Light blue-grey bill with black tip
Brown eyes with blue edges
Juveniles:
     Buff face, throat and nape 

Driving to the Water Treatment Plant outside of Melbourne, I spotted this bird sitting quietly on a fence post right next to the road.  I assumed it would fly away when we stopped the car but, to my surprise, it remained on its perch.  Apparently, this is how Brown Falcons search for their food, unlike other falcons that hunt by chasing their prey in flight. Whatever the reason for its behaviour, it was a great opportunity for getting some really good photos.  

Learn more about the Brown Falcon.