Hi Maureen and Tweeters,

For myself, I have mixed feelings about the Barred Owl issue. Unfortunately,
they are here and there isn't much we can do to change that.
As for the question on Sarvey Wildlife Center and just how they feel about
the Barred Owl issue, I do know a little about that. They accept all wild
injured creatures regardless. They don't discriminate against one species or
another. The people there are dedicated to the recovery of every individual
whether they are American Eagles or the ill thought of Barred Owl. Even the
nasty European Starling gets compassionate treatment. I volunteer there
cleaning, feeding and doing whatever they ask me to. Fun work, hard work and
heartbreaking work too.
The Sarvey folks are sensitive regarding the release of animals when they are
recovered and ready to survive on their own. They will release an animal
where it was found if appropriate or take it to an area where the animal can
survive. I asked a Sarvey director about the Eastern Gray Squirrels for
example, they do not release them anywhere there is resident Douglas
Squirrels. The Easters Gray Squirrels compete with the Douglas Squirrels for
their territory and guess who wins that battle.
Happily birding,
Beth Thompson
calliopehb at aol.com
Arlington, WA