In a message dated 5/2/2007 7:21:42 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
festuca at olywa.us writes:

I don't wish to open a "political" discussion on Tweeters, but was wondering
if the local Audubon groups, etc., are addressing this?


This is as good a forum as any to discuss how we (humans) are screwing up
the natural balance to the point where we have to consider thinning Barred Owls
and even shooting a few sea lions that are merely trying to survive by
feasting on the buffet that we (humans) have provided at places like the Ballard
Locks. Caspian Terns will be targeted next for trying to make a living off
young salmon. It's easy enough to blame the wild things and take the heat off
the real problems.

Bison need to be herded back into Yellowstone to keep from being
slaughtered; wolves are being targeted throughout their range because they're recovering
too well from all our efforts to exterminate them. And on it goes. The list
is endless and it makes me sick to see how we (humans) handle situations like
this. But take a look at the mess in Iraq while you're at it. Now there's a
"political" discussion for you!

I write for a local paper and plan to include the Barred Owl situation as
part of my next column. I also plan to get something into the next issue of our
local Audubon newsletter to make more people aware of this, for whatever
it's worth.

Cheers,
Joe Meche
Bellingham



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