I would like to question the need for "hooting" for owls, especially
this time of year. I realize that some birders are more responsible
than others, but I believe that it can be very stressing to the owls
while they are establishing territories, courting and nesting. Your
tapes can be conceived as a rival, competitor, or a danger. I know
that some places have laws prohibiting the use of tapes for that
reason.
Also, playing the 'small' owl tapes could not only bring in the 'small'
owl, but also a larger owl which may kill the smaller owl you brought
in!
Ethically, I think birders should strive to practice low-impact
birding as much as possible. Let the "real" owls do the hooting this
time of year. Besides, I have always enjoyed my owl 'finds' much
more when I found them by sight, rather than by enticing them to
reveal themselves!

I know of a good starter book for those interested...I believe it was
called "How to Spot an Owl" (?) It discusses some of the ethics of
owling and tapes.

Cindy McCormack
Spokane, WA
cbirds at mt.arias.net




> 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
>
>
>