Hi Tweets -

As Diann and several others say, the Spotted Owl is still present in
Everett. When I left at approximately 1115 it was settled in nicely in
the top of a tree in the median of Hewitt Ave between Rockefeller and
Wetmore. It is about 20-25 feet up. It is a nice even brown all over
with rows of horizontal oval spots on breast and belly. Some spots
showing on the top of the head also. I would agree with the assessment
that it is probably a young bird. The plumage looks very fresh with nice
crisp edges to the feathers looking unworn. Head tucked in on it's right
shoulder with the yellowish beak showing. The bird looks to be in good
condition.

At about 0815 this morning it was sort of awake as the crows mobbed it.
Looked alert at one point when a crow landed about a foot away, but in
general the attitude was one of disregard. By 0930 it was mostly asleep,
and was firmly so when I left. While I was there, a number of birders
showed up, and for many were rewarded with views of a life bird. All in
all a most attractive bird.

Channel 7 was there this morning videotaping the bird and birders,
probably on tonight.

Don Baccus mentioned the bird which wintered in the Sacramento Ca area
several years ago. It came in about this same time of year and spent the
winter in a pine tree on the edge of the American River Parkway (23
miles of publically owned corridor along the American River) in the
suburban community of Fair Oaks. It was usually perched about 12-15 feet
up and was visited by hordes of birders and photographers. It usually
paid no attention to all the folks looking at it. Don is right, there
were some claims made later that year that "Spotted Owls don't need old
growth".

Good Birding,

Brian H. Bell
Woodinville Wa
bellasoc at isomedia.com