Tasmanian Masked Owls

Raptor Refuge in Tasmania

The Tasmanian Masked Owl is the largest owl of the Tytonidae family of owls, which includes all barn owl and bay owl species. They are significantly larger than typical Barn Owls, and have chestnut colored faces, females typically being darker.

https://lemmy.world/pictrs/image/aad44c3c-c99d-4ce4-8c6c-2b54d48f8a96.jpeg

This pair of owls had been featured in an ABC News story for their animal ambassador work.

Painting workshops at raptor refuge offer different sort of muse in Tasmanian masked owls

Check out the whole article to learn more. Some choice quotes are below.

https://lemmy.world/pictrs/image/1ab2b5d8-1c49-41d5-bb3a-5463afa4eddb.jpeg

Raptor Refuge is a not-for-profit centre specialising in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of Tasmanian birds of prey.

Senior keeper Juliet Harlow and volunteer Kate Shaw facilitate painting workshops on site, with life models that look and sound different from usual painting muses.

Tasmanian masked owls Montgomery and Bently, who sit for workshops, are key to the creative pursuit.

More than painting and fundraising, the workshops help educate about the endangered owl and other raptors in Tasmania.

“It’s a great way to get people out to the refuge and really understand these birds,” Ms Harlow said.

Captive bred, then hand-reared at the refuge Montgomery and Bently cannot be released due to their familiarity with humans.

The siblings are in permanent care at the refuge as injured Tasmanian masked owls.

https://lemmy.world/pictrs/image/129ee8b1-d5e9-494f-9639-a1a43fd8fc0e.jpeg

“People can’t get up close and touch them, or get in their space because they are still wild animals,” Ms Harlow said.

“They’re raptors. You don’t want to shake hands with them — very sharp feet.”

JetpackJackson,
@JetpackJackson@feddit.de avatar

I thought i knew all the owls that were “Tytos” from Guardians of Gahoole but I’m happy to be wrong, these Tasmanian owls are cool! And I’m happy that there are places that take care of them and inform others about them.

anon6789,
@anon6789@lemmy.world avatar

Nice! I always try to give you all something you haven’t seen a million times.

They’re pretty rare, only being found on 3/4 of Tasmania. There’s only around 1000 in existence, so taking care of them is crucial.

Australia and some of the surrounding area have a nice variety of Tyto that the rest is the world doesn’t get. With the Sooty, Grass, and Masked Owls, and Bay Owls if you include the other genus of Tytonidae, there are some real unique birds.

JetpackJackson,
@JetpackJackson@feddit.de avatar

Oh wow I had no idea they were so rare. I’ve never really thought of Australia as having owls for some reason either lol. And there are definitely so many unique owls, thank you for posting about them :3

anon6789,
@anon6789@lemmy.world avatar

You’re in for a treat if you haven’t seen the Bay Owls! I think they’re so unique and really alien looking! 👽🦉

https://lemmy.world/pictrs/image/233e44fc-416c-418b-ac47-23a75a69419d.jpeg

JetpackJackson,
@JetpackJackson@feddit.de avatar

Oh yeah you sent me a pic of one of them before! I’m now imagining some guy walking around at night and seeing one of these owls thinking it’s an alien lol

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