The Southern Boobook was enjoying the post-dawn sunshine, perched at the darkened ‘entrance’ of an old tank stand. Not sure how my eye was drawn to the bird when I first spotted it, some fifty metres distant. It was scanning the ground intently, in front of its lookout – I suspect it was hoping for another mouse before ‘bed’.
The beautiful creature tolerated me as I made a careful approach until I was almost within touching distance.
Southern Boobook, Newstead, 30th March 2024
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I returned later in the day. The owl was gone, but had left behind a worn primary feather. A close up view of the feather shows fringes, like the teeth of a comb. This adaptation softens the flow of air over the feathers when the owl is in flight, helping absorb noise that might alert potential prey.
Southern Boobook – worn primary feather
Up close
Natural Newstead 
Wonderful Geoff!
Just fantastic shots, thank you, Geoff.
Joolee
Indeed, wonderful.
I had a similar experience with a couple of baby kookaburras at Mt Martha at Easter. One very quiet and well coiffured one was joined by a sibling who had a distinct crew cut and was very vocal. Both let me approach to within a couple of feet for a photo. I didn’t try to go any further though I was tempted to try and stroke the nearest one.
I’m not sure I can download it.