RESIDENTS are being urged to keep an eye out for powerful owls, one of the largest native owls, during breeding season.
It is thought there are 20 breeding pairs of the owls along the Georges River.
A spokeswoman from the The Powerful Owl Project said breeding season was a vulnerable time for fledglings as too much disturbance to nesting areas could lead to owls abandoning their eggs.
The spokeswoman said it was the fourth year the project to record breeding pairs had taken place and volunteers were recording new sites.
"It is an exciting project, we are just locals who just love the environment," she said.
The owls have no natural predators but in suburbia can be killed by cars or clipping powerlines.
"They are not timid and nothing much worries them," she said.
"They are officially listed as vulnerable but we are seeing a good population number around urban Sydney.
"There is evidence they are hunting in suburban areas at night and their favourite food is ringtail possum."
They settle in hollows rather than nests.
Volunteers are asked not to shine torches into hollows.
Details:chris.lloyd@wiyanga.com.au
Have you seen any powerful owls near where you live?
