Dinner for two at Les Davie Park
Denis Walls | Convenor
I recently had a wonderful encounter with a pair of Rufous Owls at Les Davie Park in Cairns North – and managed to capture them on video sharing a freshly caught rodent for dinner.
It was fascinating to watch the pair feeding together and sharing their meal, offering a glimpse into the nocturnal lives of these impressive local predators.
The Rufous Owl (Ninox rufa) is one of Australia’s largest owls and is found across tropical northern Australia. Mostly associated with rainforest and other well-vegetated habitats, it is a powerful nocturnal hunter, taking a range of prey including mammals and birds.
Rufous Owls are well known from the Cairns area and are regularly observed around Les Davie Park. Local birders have documented them using the park over the years, including observations around a known nest tree.
Seeing them feeding together was a wonderful reminder of the wildlife living alongside us in Cairns – sometimes quietly roosting through the day, and sometimes enjoying dinner for two after dark.
I hope you enjoy the footage.
