Hi,

I got a fairly close view of what I think was a Spotted Owl in the Cedar
River Watershed, King County, yesterday, but could not see the breast
pattern. The crown, back, and shoulders were conspicuously spotted,
however, and the bird seemed rich brown, not at all grayish, and on the
smallish side. It was silent and did not respond to my Spotted Owl call
imitation, though a nearby Varied Thrush sure did. Barred Owls have been
known to frequent the area, however, and the only known Spotted Owl pair
in the watershed (which this year has a new male member) is a few miles
east and at higher elevation. The habitat seemed just fine. Old growth
hemlock, cedar, fir adjacent to a stream corridor with ancient moss draped
maples... Are there any sure field marks I might have looked for visible
from back and/or side to eliminate Barred? And I don't even want to
considered the Sparred Owl possibility.

Gene Hunn.