"This is the first fledgling out of the nest hollow for 2026 for the mated pair near Gladesville NSW. There were 2 fledglings this year, and this one unfortunately died most likely due to poisoning from common rat and mice baits. It didn't make it past the 2 week out of the nest hollow. The second fledgling was also taken into care and had also, most likely, consumed poison. The second fledgling is doing well and hopefully can be released. The Powerful Owls are an important apex predator species and the largest owl species in Australia. They mate for life and come back to the same nesting tree each year. They have a tough time with loss of the old trees with hollows due to land clearing as well as losses due to road accidents and the common rat and mouse baits."