I work in a building alongside of Bel-Red Rd in Bellevue near 124th. As we
left work tonight at about 6:30 I thought I heard the call of a Screech
Owl. I stopped quickly and motioned my wife to wait. she has become use to
this behavior. We had to wait for a plane to go over but after that we
stood in the parking lot and listening to the wonderful calling of a
Screech Owl.
There is a gathering of alders behind our building. I have even seen Green
Herons fly by and Black-capped Chickadees and Chestnut-backed Chickadees
spar for rights to the suet block. Pine Siskins come through in crazed
flocks. And you could draw a wooded path from where we are to the Bellevue
Botanical gardens. And a mile west is 405.
I was very pleased to listen to the owl. With school and work I don't get
out as much. I sometimes think that my best birding is behind me. But I was
pleased that I could still detect the call, and I was even more pleased
that there is still a Screech Owl that can survive in these surroundings. I
consider it an urban warrior.
I thank it for calling. It brightened up my day more than I could ever
explain to it.

Jim Rosso
Bellevue, Wa
jrosso at mediaseek.com
425-392-8440