Subject: Re: Tweeters caught & other stuff
Date: Feb 28 16:54:00 1996
From: PAGODROMA at aol.com - PAGODROMA at aol.com


Fred Sharp makes a very good point here from the perspective of marine
mammals and the laws and regulations that protect them. A similar parallel
could and should be drawn with respect to our current discussions.

BTW Fred (and others) who wrote privately about the mystery owl screeches
flying over my yard at night. I am leaning toward Great Horned -- just seems
odd to hear those sounds just now. I think I can eliminate Barn after
spending a good part of the other night (midnight - 0230) watching and
listening to them at Lake Sammamish. Besides, I should have been able to see
something so white as that in the sky, here. Short-eared was suggested, but
I think highly unlikely. Habitat is way off and wouldn't think one would
transit over wooded hills when there are better routes, and I've never heard
a short-eared make a screech remotely like that. Of course, it could be a
disgruntled great gray from somewhere <g>

That was a very weird night at Lake Sammamish, BTW. The woman who spun out
on a patch of black ice in front of me at 20mph, and crashed in the ditch was
a serious wake-up call. Roaming around LSSP in the dark was a little spooky,
especially after Grant Hendrickson spoiled my day a couple of weeks ago by
informing me that that was exactly where the nationally notorious Ted Bundy
launched his reign of terror -- that thought coupled with the weird hissing
barn owls. Then, driving home on Newport Way, Eastgate, like some spiritual
apparition, an all white snowshoe hare was sitting on the side of the road.
God! Where did that come from? Never seen one out of the mountains before.

I think this is enough *tweeting* for me for now. I need to get outta here
for awhile. The weather is way way too nice and perfect to be sitting around
here writing this, and it's time for another owl hunt in the Okanogan. Owls
should be cranking up, hooting and tooting pretty good now. Maybe I can get
lucky and find "my own" Great Gray and if real lucky, can get to a Boreal.
I'll let you know how it turns out. On second thought, maybe I'd better
not. :) Clear a path Okanogan; here I come!

Sorry Andy. I can't wait. And bloody Blewett Pass is still closed! One of
these spur of the moment things I'm afraid. Just toss some junk in the car
and go right this minute or never! I'm OK, just crazy = normal. :)

-- Richard


96-02-28, Fred Sharp writes:

>A perspective from another area of biology might be useful.
>
>In the study of marine mammals, there are extensive regulations on field
>biologists to prevent these very type of conflicts between researchers and
>wildlife viewers.
>
>If a field biologist wishes to enguage in intrusive research (attach tags,
>take tissue samples, or even obtain photographs) we are required to specify
>to the federal government:
>
>the location we will be working
>the number of animals to be manipulated
>the time frame when the manipulations will occur
>who will be working with us on the project with us
>
>In addition, we must provide a detailed proposal of our studies objective,
>and conduct a review of our study animals abundance, distribution, and
>status. We also must provide a lenghty description of how our work will
>benefit the species that were are studying. This proposal is first
>published in the federal register, then goes out for peer reviewed, and is
>subject to a public comment period befor a permit is issued. On my permit
>it clearly states that "all activities must be conducted out of the public
>view". It is a fundimentailly basic that you do not engage in intrusive
>research activities when there others around wishing to passively view
>wildlife.
>
>It can be very frustrating at times, but in the long run, it maintains
>positive public attitudes about research. Perhaps equally importantly,
>bird &whale researchers frequenlty rely on interested laypersons for
>sighting information. If researchers are precieved to behave
>inappropriately we can jepordize our sighting networks, and even have our
>permits revoked.
>
>

Richard Rowlett <pagodroma at aol.com>
Bellevue, WA, USA