THE GERMAN OWL.

Forest and Bird, Issue 13, 1 September 1927, Page 15

THE GERMAN OWL.

“The sinister note of the German owl heard recently in Christchurch, reminds me that yet another blow has been struck at our native birds.” Extract from a letter by a bird-lover to a Christchurch paper. The letter created considerable interest, and the old controversy concerning the usefulness or otherwise of the bird was renewed. A statement of our present knowledge regarding the bird may be of interest to members. The Otago Acclimatisation Society introduced the owl from England and Germany with the idea of combating the small bird nuisance. However, in common with so many other efforts at acclimatisation, it is doubtful if the importation was a wise one. Birds from Otago were subsequently liberated in North Canterbury and Rotorua, and they have been definitely reported from various parts of Canterbury recently. Dealing with its effects on the imported birds, we can say definitely that the owl has had little effect on the prevalence of sparrows, which are undoubtedly our worst small bird pest. The appearance of the owl in a district results in a decrease in the numbers of the open nesting birds, such as thrushes and blackbirds. Philpott has stated —"Where a pair of owls have established themselves, the evensong of the thrushes and blackbirds gives place to an incessant chorus of terrified notes.” Other observers have noted that chaffinches, linnets, and skylarks have been killed by the owl. With reference to its effect on native birds, at the time of its importation the small birds such as the tomtit, fantail, and grey warbler, were common in Otago, even in the more open settled districts. These birds proved easy prey, and their numbers were rapidly reduced. At the same time, such birds as the sparrows and goldfinches increased in numbers. From what we know of its habits, the German owl does not penetrate the bush very deeply, but prefers the isolated trees on the outskirts, or the shelter provided round the more settled districts. The actual bush birds presumably then do not suffer very much from its depredations, but, as Thomson says:—“There is no doubt that along the outskirts of the bush, it takes heavy toll of the few native birds which still occur in such parts, such as korimakos (bell birds), fantails, and tomtits.” Where the owl may have disastrous effects is in the settled districts where such birds as the fantail, bell bird, grey warbler, and tomtit are found. Now it is well known that our smaller native birds provide easy prey, and the chances are that the depredations amongst the natives will be greater proportionately than among the introduced birds. It is surely better that a few sparrows should be allowed to live than that even one native small bird should be slaughtered. It will thus be seen that the German owl appears to

be doing the very opposite to that w hich was anticipated, as its work gives an increase in sparrows and a decrease in desirable insect eating birds, and the evidence can be seen in the appeal to the authorities for help to combat insect plagues, etc. —L. W. McCaskill.

The New Zealand Native Bird Protection Society is a league of citizens, representing every locality from the Three Kings to Stewart Island, banded together to advocate the preservation of our heritage. Its endeavour is to awaken public interest in the value both economically and aesthetically of our birds and forests. With a united public opinion and with a public w 7 ell informed as to the methods necessary to pursue in the conseryation of our unrivalled heritage, New Zealand can stand alone at the head of all as an example of what can be achieved by an intelligent people. We are the followers of no party, creed, or sect, and we invite one and all to join with us in this endeavour. Our subscription, which is almost nominal, is : Endowment members, £1; ordinary members, Ss.; school chilldren, Is. Ninety-five per cent, of our income is devoted to issuing informative literature.

The following are the officers at the head of the Society’s, affairs:—

President:

Sir Thomas MacKenzie, G.C.M.G

Vice-Presidents:

Sir Douglas Maclean, Wellington. Sir George Fenwick, J.P., Dunedin. Hon. G. M. Thomson, Dunedin. Hon. A. F. Hawke, Invercargill. Dr. L. Cockayne, Ph.D., F.L.S., F.R.S. Wellington. J. P. Firth, Esq., C.M.G., Wellington. Capt. Mackintosh Ellis, Wellington. F. F. Hockly, Esq., M.P. James Drummond, Esq., F.E.S., F.R.S. Christchurch. H. Guthrie-Smith, Esq., Tutira.

W. W. Smith, Esq., New Plymouth.. A. G. Simpson, Esq., Hunterville. Gilbert Archey, Esq., M.A., Auckland.. Bernard Sladden, Esq., Tauranga.. Mrs. P. Moncrieff, Nelson.. G. C. Thomson, Esq., Dunedin. J. B. Thomson, Esq., Invercargill. Johannes C. Andersen, Esq., • Wellington.. W. M. Fraser, Esq., Whangarei. A. L. Hunt, Esq., Wellington.