Subject: Increase in the population of branch owls
Date: Dec 28 11:39:21 2003
From: Rob Sandelin - floriferous at msn.com
I was reminded by David Hydens report of a Nisqually Branch Owl of a recent
hike through Lord Hill Park. I had binoculars and a scope and so everyone I
passed asked me 1. if I was a bird watcher and 2. if I had seen THE owl.
Well after four reports, all with varying details to exactly where the owl
was, I found and scoped it, a full adult branch owl. I think their
population is increasing in the our area as I saw another in Al Borlin park
and then another at Snake Lake Nature Center in Tacoma. In fact lately, I
have seen more branch owls than real owls. Maybe it's case of competitive
exclusion?
(It would make an amusing slide show to photograph several,and maybe add the
milk jug snowy owls, and stick herons as well.)
Rob Sandelin
South Snohomish County at the headwaters of Ricci Creek
Sky Valley Environments <http://www.nonprofitpages.com/nica/SVE.htm>
Field skills training for student naturalists
Floriferous at msn.com