At 10:19 AM 11/19/98 -0800, D. Victor wrote:

>It most likely could not find any old-growth forest habitat, where
>northern spotted owls typically live.

UNOCCUPIED old-growth habitat. Excess birds will be a reality even
if we had 20 times as much habitat. In fact, we'd probably have 20
times as many excess birds and a 20 times higher chance of seeing
them in downtown Everett!

Assuming, of course, the bird didn't just get lost, which IMO is more
likely.

With all due respect to my fellow Audubon chapter, it's just as
misleading to state unequivocably that the owl showed up because it
couldn't find any old-grwoth, than it would be claim that it's showing
up in Everett proves that "spotted owls will live and nest anywhere,
even auto junkyards" (as the Bend daily did a few years ago - based
on a great horned owl spotting, too boot!)

We've speculated whether or not timber operatives would try to make
hay propaganda-wise with the appearance of this bird, it's too bad that
"our side" had to make an unwarranted extrapolation first...

The need for good nso habitat is well-established and doesn't need
embellishment of this sort. I'm sure the statement's off-the-cuff
but we should be careful if we want to maintain our credibility.


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