Hi Tweets -

The Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis) is no longer on the tree in the
median of Hewitt Ave. in Everett. At approximately 2:30 p.m. this
afternoon Fish & Wildlife with the assistance of the Everett Fire
Department captured the owl. Using a fire dept. truck with a long boom
and basket, and a long pole with a noose which was lowered over the owl,
the owl was snared and brought (flapping) into the basket. It was then
placed in a large carrier (used often for dogs). Speaking with one of
the Fish & Wildlife Enforcement personnel, the bird will be checked for
its health. If it is healthy it will be released in a more suitable
location. If it is not healthy, it will be fed back up to health and
then released.

I have mixed feelings about this - emotionally I would like to have seen
the bird remain free. Intellectually I feel this was likely in the
long-term best interests of the owl - there are too many "loose cannons"
out there.

In relation to Don's question as to whether the folks down in California
ever figured out what the Fair Oaks bird lived on, I never heard whether
it was determined what the food source was. I wouldn't be surprised if
it had been rodents - the surrounding area is comprised of large lot
homes with much vegetation immediately next to the riparian growth of
the American River Parkway. Certainly plenty of rodents around.


Good Birding,

Brian H. Bell
Woodinville Wa
bellasoc at isomedia.com
Birding and Natural History Guide