Hi Folks:
I received a nice msg from Nisqually staff about Owls in their area, and
about when the entire trail system will be open. They sent the following
msg to me on Jan 21, 03.
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>From Nisqually Staff:

Owls.... Here's the latest info.
Barn Owls;
Yes, barn owls do nest and roost in the Twin Barns (at least in some recent
reports). Early morn/late evening they can be seen moving in the area.
They are quite a bit more secretive than your basic owl... and you guessed
it; due to the overwhelming presence of the Great Horned Owls. They
rarely make any noise... as they do not draw attention to themselves.

Great Horned Owls;
The favorite limb for nesting and roosting broke (a large old maple tree
next to the Twin Barns) about 1.5 months ago.
It is still laying at the base of the remaining trunk.... you might want to
look for pellets? be careful not to trample the restoration plants in that
area.

Now the GHorned Owl(s) are seen fairly frequently up the riparian dike,
north along the river (north of where the boardwalk from the Twin Barns
comes in). I have seen one in that area since the tree limb came down.
Also have seen them from the boardwalk between the VCenter/Admin Building
and Twin Barns in some of the fairly open woodlands!! These owls are quite
used to visitors and some disturbance. Keep your eyes open for any big
dark spot in a tree... they could be anywhere really.

Short earred owls;
Short earred owls are seen on the open grassy area near the north end of
the riparian dike (along Nisqually River). Unfortunately that portion of
the trail will still be closed to walking due to waterfowl hunting. Hunt
Season ends and the trail will open up on Jan 27th, but a bit too late for
the Audubon group. Be sure and tell them tho.

Watch for peregrines zooming through the ducks in the ponds and cruising
along McAllister Creek (for wounded/shot ducks).