I had occasion to use Dennis Paulson's website
(http://www.ups.edu/biology/museum/wingphotos.html) this past weekend
after I found the left forewing of a bird underneath a Barred Owl nest
tree. I was very confused at first, because I did not locate the actual
nest of the owl, even though the female has a transmitter. At first I
feared that the owl had been killed, so I was looking extensively on the
ground for the transmitter. I came across the feathers, and thought that
my fears had been confirmed. Eventually, I realized that feathers I
found (P10-P6), were too small for a Barred Owl, and then thought to
check on other species. I zeroed in on Sharp-Shinned Hawk almost
immediately. The patterns on the feathers are similar, though the shape
and size are much different. Anyway, the website is a great resource.

(I checked on the Barred Owl after dark, and got a visual. I believe she
is using a cavity further up the tree than I had thought).



Jamie Acker
Bainbridge Island, WA
mail to: BiOwler1 at juno.com

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