Subject: Re: Barred Owl ?
Date: Mar 6 17:18:40 1997
From: Christopher Hill - cehill at u.washington.edu




On Thu, 6 Mar 1997, Rick Romea wrote:
>
> I understand that there are Barred Owls in Discovery Park. I've never
> seen a Barred Owl, and I spent several hours last weekend wandering on
> the trail above the sewage treatment facility (where I have been told
> the owls have been seen), peering into the trees without success.
> Anybody got any hints or advice on finding one of these owls? Will I
> get arrested or beaten if I play a tape at Discovery Park...how about
> if I just 'hoot'...will that work?

There are resident Barred Owls, as well as Great Horned, in Discovery
Park, and I think you are looking in approximately the right area.

I often go out "hooting" for owls, and I would encourage you to try some
place that is *not* an urban park. You probably won't be the first or the
last birder that has tried to rouse the birds at Discovery Park. Although
I wouldn't blame you for trying at the park, I can think of two good
reasons (other than the Discovery Park owls's well being) for trying
elsewhere:

1) You might be more likely to get a response (birds definitely do
habituate to playback, and truly "wild" owls should be much more
responsive).

2) You will have the added satisfaction of having found "your own" owls.

I live in Snohomish County. I have found Barred Owls (along with
Saw-whets), every time I have gone up to the Tulalip Indian Reservation
west of Marysville. There are several roads that penetrate into the wet
interior of the reservation. I note from the Bird Box transcripts that
another Barred Owl was heard hooting in North Lake Stevens recently. If
you look for lakes and wooded swamps on maps, you're probably looking at
Barred Owl habitat, especially if you get into the hills a little bit.

Owling tips: Pick a quiet night, and find a road where you can escape
traffic noise. Try a few spots - if you get an answer at 1/3 of the
places you try, that's very good, so try half a dozen before giving up.
And for Barred Owls, be sure to stick around for at least 10 minutes after
you start hooting. They always seem to come in and sit silently for a
long time before responding.

Good luck!

Chris Hill
Everett, WA
cehill at u.washington.edu