A Southern Boobook Owl caused quite the flap at UQ’s St Lucia campus this morning after perching itself above the entrance to the Social Sciences and Humanities Library.
Dr Martine Maron of the School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management identified the owl and suspects it may have been displaced from its usual daytime roost.
“This is a Southern Boobook Owl, sometimes called a mopoke or morepork after its repetitive call,” Dr Maron said.
Librarian Rebecca Carter noticed the owl this morning, which was the focus of camera phones on campus for several hours before flying away.
“Wherever you are in Australia, as long as there are some trees or bushland around, you have a good chance of hearing boobooks at night,” Dr Maron said.
Dr Maron said the species was found across Australia, but was uncommonly rare in libraries.
Greek mythology credits owls for symbolising learning, wisdom, and foresight.
“I think it’s just demonstrating that even owls come to the library for wisdom,” Ms Carter said.
The owl's appearance proved serendipitous for another reason – the Semester One exam block finishes tomorrow afternoon.
Media: Allison Rock UQ Office of Communications (07 3365 2619, a.rock1@uq.edu.au)
