'PORTED OWLS v. NATIVE BIRDS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2728, 27 June 1906, Page 87

'PORTED OWLS v. NATIVE BIRDS.

A gentleman who, in a privato note, says : "I am a lover, and have been an observer, of our native birds for man; years, and am sorry to see that, locally, they are becoming only too rare," sends the following for publication: —

Dear " Migister," — I saw by the newspaper* that it is, ox was, proposed to introduce on« or mote varieties of the owl family into New Zealand for reduotion of the small-bird pest.I had thought th*t by this time colonials would have oeen more chary after their experiences of imported animals and birda . changing -their habita, adapting themselves to their new environment and thriving thereon to our probable detriment. My fear is that, owing to the natural food of the .owl in thd form of rats and mice not being plentiful. h» will turn his attention to and make short work of our few remaining native birds, which may not be expected to .know enough to fear him, and thus become easy prey, while im r ported birds, or their descendants will be inherently cautious and careful to avoid their old natural enemy. Should the imported owl take to th« bush there would be some difficulty in eradicating him. Combined action, by farmers and others interested — trapping and poisoning— would easily keep th« smallbird nuisance sufficiently in check, and tho present is the time of year for united action. aa the small birds are congregating and moving in flocks according to habit, and in search of food.— l am, etc., Observer. Abbotsford, June 18.