Everyone,

I hate to burden the listserv with yet another RFI, but I suppose you
can count it a blessing that your area is such a highly regarded birding
destination. So here goes:

My wife and I will be vacationing in WA for a week in July (July 2
through 11), both sightseeing and birding. I am most interested in
finding a Spotted owl, so I would very much appreciate any help that
could be offered. I'm not sure how difficult this bird is to find, but
I understand that any owl locations, but especially Spotted owl, are
considered fairly sensitive information by birders and naturalists. So
I am prepared to devote up to three days to the effort of searching on
my own. If anyone could recommend good spots (particular trails or
roads) with reasonable accessibility, it would be extremely helpful. I
am willing to hike to good locations if necessary, but obviously, the
more accessible, the more time I'll have in the forest for looking and
listening. Is there a best time of day for looking? Is nighttime
better for listening? Do they vocalize much?

Logistics: We will be flying in to Seattle airport and have a car, so
we have mobility to reach anything within several hours drive of the
airport.

Obviously, if anyone is inclined to show me to an owl, or simply join me
in the search and help out this Easterner's complete lack of experience
with the bird, I would be willing to sign agreements of non-disclosure
on locations, be willing to be led blindfolded to the place, etc. :-)

If you think it might be too difficult to find this bird within my time
constraints, I would be willing to consider hiring a guide. So if that
is the case, does anyone have any recommendations?

I'm also interested in the following species, so if you can help with
any of these, that would be wonderful.

Red-naped sapsucker
N. goshawk (nemesis)
Black swift
Rosy-finch

How far east in Washington would we have to travel for the following?
Burrowing owl
Ferruginous hawk

Gabi would love to see the Orcas. Any recommendations for tours or
boats? Is it worth the trip a ways up Vancouver Island for whales and
wildlife, or is the experience in the San Juan Islands just as good?
(Obviously this is highly a matter of opinion, but opinions count!)

I guess I'll ask you to respond off the list.

Thanks for all your help,

Mike and Gabi Tanis
Audubon, PA
gmtanis AT snip DOT net