Killing fields: powerful owls the latest victims of region's development boom
The deaths of two powerful owls have been blamed on rapid urban growth and infrastructure development across the Lower Hunter.
The owls, listed as vulnerable under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act, are the largest of all Australian owls. Males grow to 65 centimetres in height and weigh up to 1.7 kilograms.
Typical habitat is densely wooded areas such as those that have recently been destroyed around Minmi and Rankin Park.
Hunter Bird Observers Club committee member Rob Kyte was alerted to a distressed owl in Hudson Park, Kotara, last week.
The rescued male bird, which had a damaged eye, beak and wing, initially showed promising signs of recovery, but eventually died.
The next day, Mr Kyte found a female owl that had been hit by a vehicle on the side of Hillisbrough Road.
"It was quite sad because it probably means there is a tree hollow somewhere that has eggs or young that wouldn't have survived," he said.
"To have two birds taken out of the system at this time of year is a massive hit for species."
"Powerful owls are an apex predator, they need mature woodland, tall trees and a dark environment, and we are losing that a lot in Newcastle at the moment."
Mr Kyte's comments echo those of Hunter Wildlife Rescue, which has been called to rescue increased numbers of koalas and other native animals over the past 18 months.
Government bureaucrats and developers routinely responded to community concerns about habitat loss with reports and studies that argue impacts on native fauna will be minimised, despite increased instances of dead and injured wildlife appearing in suburban streets.
Mr Kyte said he suspected the two owls had been pushed out of their homes and had been struggling to survive.
"There's just not enough room for them; a peer in another territory is not going to tolerate them moving in, so they are going to find it tough going," he said.
"They may end up taking alternative prey, like a rat that has been poisoned, which will end up killing the owl."
He said he doubted the Lower Hunter powerful owl population would recover given the widespread clearing that was occurring.
"We have definitely seen a decline in established populations," he said.
"It takes over 100 years for a hollow to form in a tree. From a powerful owl perspective, it's probably about 150 years because they need a large hollow.
"With these mature trees being taken as they are, there's just nowhere left for them to go."
"To have an Apex predator like that in the environment is a sign of a healthy environment. When we start to take out trees and the birds disappear then it's a real cause for concern."
The deaths of two powerful owls have been blamed on rapid urban growth and infrastructure development across the Lower Hunter.
The owls, listed as vulnerable under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act, are the largest of all Australian owls. Males grow to 65 centimetres in height and weigh up to 1.7 kilograms.
Typical habitat is densely wooded areas such as those that have recently been destroyed around Minmi and Rankin Park.
Hunter Bird Observers Club committee member Rob Kyte was alerted to a distressed owl in Hudson Park, Kotara, last week.
The rescued male bird, which had a damaged eye, beak and wing, initially showed promising signs of recovery, but eventually died.
The next day, Mr Kyte found a female owl that had been hit by a vehicle on the side of Hillisbrough Road.
"It was quite sad because it probably means there is a tree hollow somewhere that has eggs or young that wouldn't have survived," he said.
"To have two birds taken out of the system at this time of year is a massive hit for species."
"Powerful owls are an apex predator, they need mature woodland, tall trees and a dark environment, and we are losing that a lot in Newcastle at the moment."
Mr Kyte's comments echo those of Hunter Wildlife Rescue, which has been called to rescue increased numbers of koalas and other native animals over the past 18 months.
Government bureaucrats and developers routinely responded to community concerns about habitat loss with reports and studies that argue impacts on native fauna will be minimised, despite increased instances of dead and injured wildlife appearing in suburban streets.
Mr Kyte said he suspected the two owls had been pushed out of their homes and had been struggling to survive.
"There's just not enough room for them; a peer in another territory is not going to tolerate them moving in, so they are going to find it tough going," he said.
"They may end up taking alternative prey, like a rat that has been poisoned, which will end up killing the owl."
He said he doubted the Lower Hunter powerful owl population would recover given the widespread clearing that was occurring.
"We have definitely seen a decline in established populations," he said.
"It takes over 100 years for a hollow to form in a tree. From a powerful owl perspective, it's probably about 150 years because they need a large hollow.
"With these mature trees being taken as they are, there's just nowhere left for them to go."
"To have an Apex predator like that in the environment is a sign of a healthy environment. When we start to take out trees and the birds disappear then it's a real cause for concern."
The deaths of two powerful owls have been blamed on rapid urban growth and infrastructure development across the Lower Hunter.
The owls, listed as vulnerable under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act, are the largest of all Australian owls. Males grow to 65 centimetres in height and weigh up to 1.7 kilograms.
Typical habitat is densely wooded areas such as those that have recently been destroyed around Minmi and Rankin Park.
Hunter Bird Observers Club committee member Rob Kyte was alerted to a distressed owl in Hudson Park, Kotara, last week.
The rescued male bird, which had a damaged eye, beak and wing, initially showed promising signs of recovery, but eventually died.
The next day, Mr Kyte found a female owl that had been hit by a vehicle on the side of Hillisbrough Road.
"It was quite sad because it probably means there is a tree hollow somewhere that has eggs or young that wouldn't have survived," he said.
"To have two birds taken out of the system at this time of year is a massive hit for species."
"Powerful owls are an apex predator, they need mature woodland, tall trees and a dark environment, and we are losing that a lot in Newcastle at the moment."
Mr Kyte's comments echo those of Hunter Wildlife Rescue, which has been called to rescue increased numbers of koalas and other native animals over the past 18 months.
Government bureaucrats and developers routinely responded to community concerns about habitat loss with reports and studies that argue impacts on native fauna will be minimised, despite increased instances of dead and injured wildlife appearing in suburban streets.
Mr Kyte said he suspected the two owls had been pushed out of their homes and had been struggling to survive.
"There's just not enough room for them; a peer in another territory is not going to tolerate them moving in, so they are going to find it tough going," he said.
"They may end up taking alternative prey, like a rat that has been poisoned, which will end up killing the owl."
He said he doubted the Lower Hunter powerful owl population would recover given the widespread clearing that was occurring.
"We have definitely seen a decline in established populations," he said.
"It takes over 100 years for a hollow to form in a tree. From a powerful owl perspective, it's probably about 150 years because they need a large hollow.
"With these mature trees being taken as they are, there's just nowhere left for them to go."
"To have an Apex predator like that in the environment is a sign of a healthy environment. When we start to take out trees and the birds disappear then it's a real cause for concern."
The deaths of two powerful owls have been blamed on rapid urban growth and infrastructure development across the Lower Hunter.
The owls, listed as vulnerable under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act, are the largest of all Australian owls. Males grow to 65 centimetres in height and weigh up to 1.7 kilograms.
Typical habitat is densely wooded areas such as those that have recently been destroyed around Minmi and Rankin Park.
Hunter Bird Observers Club committee member Rob Kyte was alerted to a distressed owl in Hudson Park, Kotara, last week.
The rescued male bird, which had a damaged eye, beak and wing, initially showed promising signs of recovery, but eventually died.
The next day, Mr Kyte found a female owl that had been hit by a vehicle on the side of Hillisbrough Road.
"It was quite sad because it probably means there is a tree hollow somewhere that has eggs or young that wouldn't have survived," he said.
"To have two birds taken out of the system at this time of year is a massive hit for species."
"Powerful owls are an apex predator, they need mature woodland, tall trees and a dark environment, and we are losing that a lot in Newcastle at the moment."
Mr Kyte's comments echo those of Hunter Wildlife Rescue, which has been called to rescue increased numbers of koalas and other native animals over the past 18 months.
Government bureaucrats and developers routinely responded to community concerns about habitat loss with reports and studies that argue impacts on native fauna will be minimised, despite increased instances of dead and injured wildlife appearing in suburban streets.
Mr Kyte said he suspected the two owls had been pushed out of their homes and had been struggling to survive.
"There's just not enough room for them; a peer in another territory is not going to tolerate them moving in, so they are going to find it tough going," he said.
"They may end up taking alternative prey, like a rat that has been poisoned, which will end up killing the owl."
He said he doubted the Lower Hunter powerful owl population would recover given the widespread clearing that was occurring.
"We have definitely seen a decline in established populations," he said.
"It takes over 100 years for a hollow to form in a tree. From a powerful owl perspective, it's probably about 150 years because they need a large hollow.
"With these mature trees being taken as they are, there's just nowhere left for them to go."
"To have an Apex predator like that in the environment is a sign of a healthy environment. When we start to take out trees and the birds disappear then it's a real cause for concern."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sky News AU
2 days ago
- Sky News AU
New poll shows more than 70 per cent of public support Australian flag as Mornington Peninsula council responds to backlash
The Australian flag is viewed as a symbol of unity by an overwhelming majority of the public, despite local council bureaucrats erasing it from flyers. Mornington Peninsula Shire Council was sent into damage control this week after it emerged that council materials were being put out with the Aboriginal flag, Torres Strait Islander flag and the woke 'progress pride' flag – but not the Australian flag. The council flyers are wildly out of step with community attitudes, with a new poll released on Thursday showing that just 10 per cent of people want to get rid of the Australian flag. The survey of 1000 people, commissioned by the Institute of Public Affairs and carried out by Dynata – an independent marketing research firm – found that 71 per cent of Australians believe our national flag helped unite all Australians. While Australia currently has three officially recognised national flags, the IPA poll found that 61 per cent of Australians believe we should have just one flag – the Australian flag – while 29 per cent of respondents support the Australian flag being displayed alongside the Aboriginal flag and the Torres Strait Islander flag. Institute of Public Affairs Deputy Executive Director Daniel Wild said the Australian flag was the nation's 'most inclusive flag'. 'The Australian flag is our most inclusive flag as it represents our entire nation and every Australian, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or gender,' Mr Wild said. 'The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags have an important place in our society, but Australia has only one national flag. The Mornington Peninsula Council materials that had the Australian Flag removed include a flyer encouraging parents to sign their kids up to Kindergarten, a Child and Family news flyer, and a Health and Development Assessment flyer. According to the Herald Sun, at least one council office in Mornington also displays only the three minority flags on its entry doors. The Mayor of Mornington Peninsula and the council's chief executive have both denied knowing about the flyers before they appeared in the news. And on Tuesday evening Councillors voted to amend the council's flag policy to ensure the incident was not repeated. Mayor Anthony Marsh has told that "going forward" the council will ensure the Australian flag is included on all publications and materials it puts out. According to Mr Wild, the public backlash against the council reflects the fact Australians have 'had a gutful' of divisive identity politics. 'At a time when social cohesion is disintegrating across the nation, mainstream Australians understand that our symbols are unifying, and should be cherished and celebrated at all times. After all, there is far more that unites Australians than divides us,' he said.
The Age
2 days ago
- The Age
Please slurp your noodles: Dos and don'ts of eating out in Asia
If you ever dine with locals in China, Japan or South Korea for business or pleasure, you'll have the chance to connect in a relaxed setting. A few rules of etiquette, however, will make for a better experience and impress your hosts. You wouldn't want to appear greedy or hungry, would you? Both may be taken as a sign of poverty or lack of refinement. If invited to someone's house, politely decline food the first time it's offered. Not to worry, you'll be given a second (and third) chance to eat. In restaurants, especially in China, consideration and respect is shown by plucking fine morsels from communal dishes and placing them in your companions' bowls. Again, you might make a polite protest. So will your fellow diners, but don't take them at their word. Try again. It's also polite to refill other diners' teacups, glasses and soy-sauce dishes before your own. This is especially true in Japan, where nobody ever pours their own drink. When someone offers to pour your drink, lift your glass up with one hand supporting it from below, then take a small sip before setting it down. In Japan toasts are proposed at the start of meals; in China they'll be ongoing. Whoever hosts should be first to offer a toast, and will probably order the food without consultation. Meals can be convivial except in South Korea, where too much chatter shows lack of respect for the food and occasion. Anywhere, polite Australian conversational fillers about the weather or traffic will cause bemusement. Talk about the food, however, will be welcomed. Brace yourself: few topics are off limits. The Chinese might quiz you about your age, religion, marital status, salary, rent or the cost of the clothes on your back. Awkward, but take it as a great opportunity to turn the tables and find out more about your hosts. And so to the food. While chomping is universally considered uncouth, slurping soup or noodles can be a sign of appreciation in Asia. Such dishes are also 'inhaled' to cool them as you eat. Only hungry peasants fill up on rice, so don't ask for it if hosted. You'll get a small bowl of rice towards the end of the meal in China. In Japan, rice is eaten between courses and never mixed with food.
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Please slurp your noodles: Dos and don'ts of eating out in Asia
If you ever dine with locals in China, Japan or South Korea for business or pleasure, you'll have the chance to connect in a relaxed setting. A few rules of etiquette, however, will make for a better experience and impress your hosts. You wouldn't want to appear greedy or hungry, would you? Both may be taken as a sign of poverty or lack of refinement. If invited to someone's house, politely decline food the first time it's offered. Not to worry, you'll be given a second (and third) chance to eat. In restaurants, especially in China, consideration and respect is shown by plucking fine morsels from communal dishes and placing them in your companions' bowls. Again, you might make a polite protest. So will your fellow diners, but don't take them at their word. Try again. It's also polite to refill other diners' teacups, glasses and soy-sauce dishes before your own. This is especially true in Japan, where nobody ever pours their own drink. When someone offers to pour your drink, lift your glass up with one hand supporting it from below, then take a small sip before setting it down. In Japan toasts are proposed at the start of meals; in China they'll be ongoing. Whoever hosts should be first to offer a toast, and will probably order the food without consultation. Meals can be convivial except in South Korea, where too much chatter shows lack of respect for the food and occasion. Anywhere, polite Australian conversational fillers about the weather or traffic will cause bemusement. Talk about the food, however, will be welcomed. Brace yourself: few topics are off limits. The Chinese might quiz you about your age, religion, marital status, salary, rent or the cost of the clothes on your back. Awkward, but take it as a great opportunity to turn the tables and find out more about your hosts. And so to the food. While chomping is universally considered uncouth, slurping soup or noodles can be a sign of appreciation in Asia. Such dishes are also 'inhaled' to cool them as you eat. Only hungry peasants fill up on rice, so don't ask for it if hosted. You'll get a small bowl of rice towards the end of the meal in China. In Japan, rice is eaten between courses and never mixed with food.
