GERMAN OWL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 62, 15 September 1939, Page 2

GERMAN OWL

ENEMY OF NATIVE BIRDS "A very striking case of the wish being father to the thought, is seen in the efforts of some persons to whitewash the German owl. a wellknown enemy of fan tails, grey and other species of small native birds," writes a member of the Forest and Bird Protection Society. The report of a recent limited investigation, which gave the owls credit for some feeds of caterpillars, spiders, grasshoppers and earwigs alleged that the owl "seldom takes any small birds." This assertion is contrary to the facts tecorded by accurate observers of Otago and Southland. They have found the alien owl guilty of killing many native birds. This pest has been seen swooping on fantails and warblers in the day time, an.d it is particularly murderous Just before dusk when the small birds are about to roost for the night. The German owl is unmistakably a bird of prey. Its hooked beak and talons have been evolved for the ! seizing and killing of other birds. ! Would such a predator prefer a dif- | ficult meal of earwigs to a feast of tender fantail? Would it bother about spiders if it could catch warb lers? If it claimed that a proper investigation (which must necessarily include the castings) f of the german owl's habits, will firmly establish its guilt as a destroyer of small native birds.