I agree with Diann that Barred Owls are likely capable of all of the sounds described. However, I also remember a night at my prior home south of Olympia when a series of unusual and rather loud sounds emanated from the Diadora Cedars out in the side yard. I had no idea what it was but, upon taking my flashlight outside and shining it into the tree, found that there were two raccoons, engaged in fighting or mating or some combination. I wish I could describe the sounds they were making but that level of detail is lost to me now. All I have is the memory that the sounds were very strange, highly variable and unlike anything I had heard before.

I think the fact that the sounds were coming from 30-40 feet up in the trees rules out Aplodontia. I suppose Opossums are still a possibility though I've never heard of them making sounds of this kind.

Kelly McAllister
Olympia, Washington
----- Original Message -----
From: Diann MacRae
To: amy schillinger
Cc: tweeters at u.washington.edu
Sent: Tuesday, January 08, 2008 2:51 PM
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Strange animal noises question-need reply please


Hi, Amy

While your noises may, indeed, come from a mammal, please don't rule out barred owl since you mention they were there. They can make all sorts of weird - and even horrifying - noises. I was at a conference years ago and at a very relaxed afternoon get together, people played various tapes to see if we knew what the bird was - the weirdest was the barred owl.

Cheers, Diann

Diann MacRae
Olympic Vulture Study
22622 - 53rd Avenue S.E.
Bothell, WA 98021
tvulture at vei.net




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