** Richard Rowlett supplies a much-appreciated precis of the recent WOS conference...

<snip>

> For all of the skeptics amongst you, including myself initially, who may have
> gotten caught up in the controversy questioning the ethics over trapping and
> radio-tagging the infamous and highly publicized Ovenell Road (Skagit Co.)
> GREAT GRAY OWL in the winter of 1996, the upshot and results of that effort
> have long gone over the top exonerated Bud Anderson and his dedicated
> assistants in my most humble opinion!! These guys were more than just 'lucky'
> -- it was their utter dedication by ground and by air using the best in
> current scientific sophistication for a scientific cause that has resulted in
> a remarkable contribution into glimpsing the actual migration, timing, and
> route of a GREAT GRAY OWL from it's wintering grounds on the Skagit to the
> remote and rugged hinterland wilderness areas in the vicinity of Kamloops in
> south-central BC. Great Gray Owl migration here-to-fore has been something
> ornithology has known little to nothing about... until now!

<snip>

My, my. I wonder if this bird is part of the Pinantan Lake population of Great Gray Owls
just to the NE of Kamloops. A most beautiful part of the world. There is an old homestead at the
original Pinantan Lake site which consists of an old rotting schoolhouse and some outbuildings.
It is cattle country with lots of open meadows full of voles. A very appropriate place for
Great Grays.

- Jack



------------------
Jack Bowling
Prince George, BC
jbowling at direct.ca