Subject: Owls and other birds San Juans
Date: Apr 21 12:09:25 1998
From: CHRIS CHAPPELL - cbmm490 at gwgate.wadnr.gov


Gene Hunn if you're out there here's some more owl data for
you. Plus some sightings of more general interest from
Orcas Island.

Barred Owl: 4/19/98, pair of birds seen together, first
detected by male calling during mid-day (2 pm), responded
to my vocal imitations by flying in close wiith territorial calls
and later the agitation call, presumed female flew in
somewhat later and was silent but very curious. Location
was Moran State Park on Orcas Island, T37N, R01W,
SECTION 21, NW1/4. North side of Mount Constitution,
dense Douglas fir-western hemlock old-growth forest, in
vicinity of some cold springs, along the Cold Springs trail up
from Twin Lakes.

Also, great view of adult GOLDEN EAGLE soaring above
south side of Mt. Constitution on 4/20. Pair of BARROW'S
GOLDENEYES on Twin Lakes 4/19, someone should check
this spot later in the breeding season, if they breed in the
San Juans this is a likely spot.

On 4/18, flushed a female HOODED MERGANSER from a
cavity in a Pacific madrone tree overhanging Eastsound
(saltwater), Orcas Island, on Madrona Point. Are they known
to nest adjacent to saltwater? I've always associated them
with nesting in trees with freshwater adjacent.

Chris Chappell
chris.chappell at wadnr.gov
Olympia, WA