Twit-twoo in President Park
PRESIDENT PARK - The Marsh Owls of President Park are safe from fires this fire season now that a fire break has been secured around their home.
Bruce Beevers, owner of Eager Beaver Gardens and his team of landscapers cut the firebreak.
John Gainsford of President Park Residents’ Association has been watching a pair of marsh owls roosting in the grass adjacent to Brand Street in President Park for the past four years. Last year Gainsford fought the fire off with a hosepipe, almost scorching himself in the process.
Gainsford said, “Years prior to that, we were fortunate not to have the regular winter fires ravage the property. This year he decided to be proactive and approached Beavers to assist with cutting a 5m fire break around the marshy nesting area using brush cutters.”
He said because of the frog-type noise the owls make, he initially thought it was the local African toad living in the slightly marshy area until he investigated.
“Marsh owls roost on the ground and make a nest that is no more than flatten area in the grass. We are anxiously waiting for the female to lay eggs,” said Gainsford.
