Hellow Tweeters,

I would like to add to what others have said about strange people that
might possibly to harm a bird like the Spotted Owl. This summer while I
was conducting my study sampling grasses where birds forage in the prairie
areas, a man walked up to me and asked what I was doing. I told him. He
bagan to tell me how stupid studies like mine were and what a waste of
time it was. The particular plot that I was working on was a bluebird
plot. He told me the best thing to do was to get rid of them. This guy was
so far out there that I thought he was kidding at first. As he went on, I
realized that he was not kidding. I also realized that the only things
around were me, him, his, dog, and his shot gun. He started blaming people
like me for all of his restrictions for hunting.I began to look for an
escape plan. As it tuned out, he just left in a huff. However, I was
really spooked.

A hour or so later, I watched him from the other side of the area were we
were at. As his dog flushed Meadowlarks, he would take shots at them. I
have no doubt that this guy would consider blasting a Spotted Owl given
the chance just to case grief. I am also sure he is not alone.

The Spotted Owl is in a very different category than nearly any other
species that might turn up in such a situation. Remember that it is the
icon that people think of when it comes to the environmental movement and
that there are people out there that blame the owl for all of their life
problems. That along is enough reason for me to support the removal of the
owl from downtown Everett.

Russell

--------------------------------------
Russell Rogers and Mary Moore
6637 Glenwood Drive SW
Olympia WA 98512
(360) 709-9870
rrogers at halcyon.com
--------------------------------------