Hoot There! A Guide to Melbourne's Most Magnificent (and Occasionally Murderous) Night Owls
So, you've developed a sudden fascination with Melbourne's nocturnal guardians, the owls? Wise choice! These feathered friends are more than just creepy crawly catchers (though they are excellent at that). They're little bundles of personality, with their dramatic stares, owlish expressions (because, duh), and, of course, their hilariously creepy calls that can leave you wondering if your neighbour is practicing witchcraft in their backyard.
But with all the hooting and haunting going on at night, how do you identify these magnificent creatures? Fear not, fledgling owl enthusiast, for this guide will equip you with the knowledge to become a certified Melbourne Mopoke (Mopoke is another name for the Southern Boobook Owl) Master!
Melbourne's Most Common Owls: A Feathered Rogues' Gallery
1. The Southern Boobook Owl: The Neighbourhood Nightwatch
This little ripper is your quintessential Melbourne owl. Think "short and stocky with a grumpy grandpa expression." They're all about keeping the streets (or rather, the trees) safe from pesky insects, mice, and the occasional existential crisis (they are owls, after all).
Fun Fact: Their call sounds a bit like someone saying "more pork," which is perfect for Melbourne, a city that takes its food very seriously.
2. The Barn Owl: The Ghost of the Farmlands
With their heart-shaped face and ghostly white bodies, these guys are the Casper the Friendly Ghosts of the owl world. They prefer wide-open spaces and are less common in the city itself, but you might spot them haunting the outskirts, keeping rodent populations in check.
Warning: Don't be fooled by their fluffy appearance. These silent assassins are surprisingly good hunters.
Honoured Mentions: The Less Common, But Equally Awesome Owls of Melbourne
While the Boobook and Barn Owl are the rockstars of Melbourne's owl scene, there are a few other feathered fellows worth mentioning:
- The Powerful Owl: Basically the owl version of a superhero. Huge, impressive, and with a taste for the finer things in life, like possums and the occasional bunny rabbit.
- The Masked Owl: A shy and elusive creature, this owl is like the goth kid at the owl party. All black with a mysterious aura, they're rarely seen but always fascinating.
Remember: These guys are all endangered or threatened, so if you're lucky enough to spot one, appreciate them from afar and avoid disturbing their habitat.
FAQ: Become a Melbourne Mopoke Master!
How to identify an owl by its call?
While owl calls can vary, Boobooks sound like they're saying "more pork," while Barn Owls have a long, screeching call. Download some owl call recordings to train your ear!
How to attract owls to my backyard?
Provide them with a safe haven! Put up an owl box in a tall tree with a clear flight path. Just make sure you don't accidentally become a landlord to a family of possums – owls are not big on sharing.
How to tell the difference between an owl and a Tawny Frogmouth?
It's a common mistake! Tawny Frogmouths are nocturnal but not owls. They have a wider beak and forward-facing eyes, unlike the owl's side-facing ones.
How can I help protect Melbourne's owls?
Avoid using rodenticides, as they can poison owls who eat the poisoned rodents. Plant native trees to provide nesting hollows, and report any sightings of injured owls to wildlife rescue organizations.
How cool are owls?
On a scale of 1 to 10, they're a solid 11. Case closed.
