Southern Boobook

Description:

The Southern Boobook, often referred to as 'Mopoke' after its call, is Australia's smallest owl, reaching a max. size of about 28 cms, but like other owl species, the Southern Boobook is nocturnal. I don't know if this individual is male or female. Their conservation status in all states and territories of Australia is secure. Closely related species are also found in New Zealand, New Guinea, and Indonesia.

Habitat:

Heavily-wooded section of Boonoo Boonoo National Park. Native vegetation along the river track, which runs adjacent to the Boonoo Boonoo River.

Notes:

I spotted this bird only when I heard wings flapping overhead. It flew off to a distant tree (hence the average photo quality), but it did follow me down the track for quite some distance. I guess it wanted to keep an eye on me, possibly because it had young nearby. Friends of mine that know this species have told me to see one in the wild during daylight hours is a rarity. Lucky me.