At 09:13 PM 11/18/98 -0800, Jim P. Flynn wrote:
>Hi tweets,
>
> So what's the best way to tell Spotted from Barred Owl,
>other than by vocalizations? How about "Sparred"?

Barred's aren't as overall dark and smokey, and barred's show that
distinctive barring in the "chin" area. A couple of photos would
make it clear, but though I've seen both species a couple of times
I have no photos to share this time, sorry.

"sparreds" are in-between, and my knowledge of them dates so far
back (the first five kids, 7-8 years ago???) that I suspect any
of the ideas touted then may've been superceeded by more recent
observations of hybrids. Especially since sparred x ?spotted I
think hybrids have been found.


- Don Baccus, Portland OR <dhogaza at pacifier.com>
Nature photos, on-line guides, and other goodies at
http://donb.photo.net