These images of an Eastern Grass Owl were captured on a Maleny Land for Wildlife property. Irene Keton, the owner of the property protected her ten hectare rainforest remnant 13 years ago by entering into a Voluntary Conservation Agreement (VCA) with Sunshine Coast Council. With assistance from Council, Barung Landcare and Lake Baroon Catchment Care, an additional 3 ha of boggy ex-grazing country has been fenced and revegetated. During this period the remaining 8 ha of pasture continued to be grazed by cattle.
Last year, Irene decided to give her paddocks a spell from grazing and before long the tall grass was providing a new habitat niche for local fauna. Within six months the Eastern Grass Owls had arrived. Other bird species to appear in response to the long grass included a Spotted Harrier, finches, mannikins and grassbirds. Some of these birds had not previously been observed on the property.
Nick Clancy, Land for Wildlife Officer, Sunshine Coast Council