Bird spotted having a backyard hoot is no owl
THIS Tawny Frogmouth paid a visit to a Kirra backyard where the resident, who thought it was an owl, was able to get a photograph.
The Tawny Frogmouth is a regular visitor to backyard in the area.
Tweed Valley Wildlife Rescue president Jo Cabale said wildlife and people had to coexist in the Tweed and southern Gold Coast.
"It does happen that wildlife moves into built up area but it was there first," Ms Cabale said.
"We have problems with snakes for the past few months but sand dunes have always been their homes and if you suddenly build houses there… well then you are going to get snakes.
"Homes also attract things like rats and mice, and if they have a rock garden then they attracts skinks and lizards.
"These attract predators such as snakes and owls."
Ms Cabale said people should take time to look at what wildlife they have in their own backyards.
"If people have cats it would be preferable to keep them in the house at all times, and have dogs in enclosures," she said.
"People should also plant native plants because it looks beautiful, saves water and attracted wildlife."
If you find any distressed wildlife then phone Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers on its 24-hour hotline, (02) 6672 4789.
