Hi Tweets,

Kelly Cassidy writes:

>...Barn Owls are rare in cities, but, based on
>data from last year's irruption data, Snowys in winter often stumble into
>coastal cities. Last winter, most had clustered in estuaries by late
>winter, but a few hung around cities all winter.

Speaking of Barn Owls Tyto alba, one was rasping away over my place in
westermost Kitsilano, in Vancouver BC, the other night. They're actually not
all that uncommon in Vancouver skies, but being visible only when the lights
reflect off their bright white underparts and audible only when background
traffic noise drops below a certain level, seem to be scarcer than they are.

Snowy Owls Nyctea scandiaca in cities usually tend to hang out around the
harbors, and if personal observation in Vancouver BC is a guide, are more
likely to show up in a city on their northbound return migration. Upon
seeing crows or gulls divebombing something atop and office buidling or
apartment, it's always a good idea to check it out, especially between now
and mid-April, as there's *some* chance that it might be a Snowy Owl.

Michael Price A brave world, Sir,
Vancouver BC Canada full of religion, knavery and change;
mprice at mindlink.net we shall shortly see better days.
Aphra Behn (1640-1689)