Last Spring when we attempted to survey a plot south of Pendleton a
recalcitrant rancher came roaring up to order us off his land. After
carefully explaining to him that we didn't work for the state and weren't
affiliated with Fish and Wildlife he was convinced that we posed no threat
to his livelyhood and became quite friendly. We pointed out two Great
Horned Owl fledgelings in a nearby snag and the glaring mother in the
shadows of a Willow whereupon he proclaimed that he really liked the owls
(including the two Barn Owls that lived on his ranch) because they kept the
cat population down. Apparently he has two cats that are Owl wise and don't
get caught; but any strays or kittens are promptly converted into owl food.

There was an occupied Red Tail nest no more than 100 feet from where the
fledgeling owls were sitting. I wonder how many GHO fledgelings become Red
Tail food.

John Shelton
Portland, Oregon