I was fortunate enough to be there last night to see this spectacular
bird along with several others. As to whether or not the owl was
becoming nervous because of encroachment by enthusiastic birders, it was
really difficult to tell with certainty. It is true that on more than
one occassion, someone in a car would stop (on the shoulder of the road)
directly opposite the bird. And on at least one of these times the bird
flew a few yards further away. But I'm not so sure the bird wasn't just
checking out another area for voles. The bird stayed by the side of the
road for a good two hours, so at least it wasn't disturbed enough to fly
off completely or take refuge in the woods.

By and large most of the people in the area seemed nice and were glad
to have this rare visitor. Of course there are always those who feel
that birders equate with the hated environmentalists who are trying to
stop the God-given right to rape the land. Indeed the pipeline road into
the woods to the south seems to be a dumping ground for those who choose
not to use the transfer station only a half mile away. I'm always amazed
how birders have to be so careful not to offend anyone, while in the same
area the land is being used as a garbage dump. But if we must pacify
locals who may actually harm the bird because of our interest--it seems
like a pretty sad world at times...
wjansen