Hi Tweeters!!

There has been several confirmed sightings of a couple of NORTHERN HAWK OWLS
near Hart's Pass this past week. The owls have been seen near the extensive
burn close to the Ranger Station and Meadows Campground.

Hawkowls have a prospensity of perching on top of snags and branches making
them quite visible if birds are still present in the area. Also they are
one of the most diurnal of the owls, so your chances of seeing them during
bright daylight is good.

I am not surprised by these sightings as this recently burned area provides
excellent habitat for this stunning boreal bird. There are plenty of broken
off stumps, snags, and bare tree branches that serve as convenient lookout
perches for the birds to hunt.

Jonathan Hoekstra reported seeing one bird during September of 2005 in the
same area. I wouldn't be shocked if the birds were breeding here. I was
also surprise there was not much follow up after this sighting when it was
originally reported on Tweeters.

I would think there would be more birds in the Okanogan area (ie Roger Lake,
Tiffany Mt. Long Swamp) because of the recent fires. What an awesome place
to explore!

If you go, please comply with ABA's principles of birding ethics. Also,
exercise caution as the narrow roads with be occupied with hunters and
careless drivers who often take the blind turns way too fast.

If you miss the birds, the area is very beautiful. You won't regret it!!
Look for the other boreal birds such as ptarmigans, spruce, sooty, and dusky
grouse. Hawk activity should pick up the next few weeks.

DIRECTIONS and ROAD CONDITIONS:

Road conditions are excellent and no SUV's are needed. Just take it
slow!!!!

Access to Hart' Pass is near the town of Mazama. Take FR 5400 towards the
top of Slate Peak. There will be sufficient signs directing you to the top.
The birds have been seen near the junction of Meadow's Campground turn off
(left turn) and close to the ranger station which is on the right side of
the road if you continue on FR 600 towards the top of Slate Peak. You will
see a large burn within this area.

Good luck and good birding,

Khanh Tran (Portland, Oregon)