Here is yet another anecdote about owl interactions:

A few years ago, while whistling for N. Pygmy Owls in Kittitas Co, WA, a
Pygmy did respond, flying in and perching in the top of a small jack pine
nearby, calling loudly and continuously. This was an area where I had heard
and seen Pygmys on several occasions, so the response was pretty normal.

Then, from a distant canyon, two Great Horned Owls began calling. I stopped
whistling for fear of the Pygmy's safety, but the Pygmy kept calling loudly.
The Great Horned's flew in to a nearby tree, in full sight of both me and
the Pygmy, where they continued to hoot loudly. The Pygmy also continued
calling for a while, but finally seemed to get the hint and fell silent. It
was my impression that the Pygmy was indeed intimidated (finally) into
silence, but even when the larger owls loomed quite close the Pygmy did not
leave its obvious, exposed perch. Perhaps the Pygmy felt safer 'freezing',
even in an exposed location, rather than showing movement by flying away?
Eventually the Great Horned Owls also fell silent, and after I watched
motionless for quite some time I left, seeing no further interaction.

I have noticed that a surprising number of birders have a real aversion to
calling owls, whether by whistling, calling or playing tapes - an aversion
that goes well beyond the normal concerns of excess harrassment. I have
never quite understood this strong reaction, as many of these same birders
think nothing of playing tapes for diurnal bird species. It seems as though
owls are perceived as having a certain mystique, setting them apart from
other birds. Yet, I have to admit that I have often wondered if calling
small owls might indeed expose them to an increased risk of predation by the
larger owls.

Dave Nunnallee
dnun461 at ecy.wa.gov
Bellevue, WA