Ninox boobook (Sothern Boobook)

IUCN Status: Least Concern

While staying at Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodges to photograph normally difficult to see mammals this interloper took advantage feeding station as well. He was trying to take the small ground dwellers, but frightened the skin off a few of us bigger ones as well. Luckily he perched briefly in a nearby tree, and I already has flashes out ready.

This individual is from the race (sub-species) lurida which is found in a relatively small section of northern Queensland, and specialised for life in the rainforest. It is smaller and darker than the main race, with fewer light spots and less distinct light eyebrows. It is thought to hunt smaller prey, however I’m not sure I agree with that after seeing it in action.