Technology meets nature in support of vulnerable owls

With approximately 2000 Powerful Owls left in NSW, experts are saying they are one-step away from being endangered.

Council is keen to work closely with expert scientists and environmental organisations to support this vulnerable species.

Dr Beth Mott of Bird Life Australia is one of these experts and has been monitoring these precious birds for many years.

One of their recent projects focuses on understanding what influences an owl’s selection of a tree hollow for its home and more importantly their decision to breed, lay eggs and raise their chicks.

Council is supporting the project by providing funding for devices known as data loggers.

Dr Mott says the data loggers will be installed in a variety of hollow types, including natural hollows in both live and dead trees, those that have been artificially cut, as well as nesting boxes.

“We are hoping to discover what the optimum environment is for a Powerful Owl to breed by measuring and monitoring the humidity and temperatures in locations over time and over seasons,” said Dr Mott.

“This is being carried out at a number of breeding sites on the Northern Beaches,” she said.

With hollows typically taking over 100 years to develop and up to 200 years to a size useful for larger birds such as Powerful Owls, Glossy-Black Cockatoos, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos, we are urging residents to think twice about cutting down big old trees in their backyards, along with recognising the value of smaller ones.  

 To find out more about the Powerful Owl project, including recordings of their call, or to report a sighting email [email protected].

Council would also love to hear from you with your wildlife sightings. Please email us on [email protected]