In following the conversations and controversies in Tweeters' posts
stimulated by the arrival of Snowy Owls in our state over the past
couple of weeks, it appears to me that, as this discussion continues
along, there are signs of more "light" and less "heat" (Dennis P) than
in the last one we entered into (last spring?). This is a good thing
and I feel we are making some headway into positions of greater
understanding and empathy, of the birds, of each other and hopefully,
ourselves.

In reading through the posts that appeared today, I was most struck by
the offering of research information, including data, that show that
some of the statements of certainty we hear and repeat about Snowy
Owls are not substantiated either by history, science or experience.
In looking at Mike Patterson's website about his Snowy Owl pellet
analysis during the 2005-2006 SNOW irruption, it appears that many of
the generalizations that we have heard, don't bear out in his studies,
namely those about prey utilized by SNOW. Nigel Ball's heart-rate
info showing invisible stress on birds upon the approach of humans,
shows me that it is a strong possibility that the Snowys we assume are
unstressed because we don't see any outward signs, may indeed be using
up some energy due to our presence. Or, as Dennis Paulson mentions,
inaction of a bird may indicate an already-occurring illness or hidden
injury, as in the case of the injured owl now at the rehab center in
Snohomish Co.

I also appreciate the photographic explanations by David Gluckman, Don
Nelson and more to come, I'm sure. They help, but of course, do not
directly address the emotional ethical/values issues that are also an
integral part of our discussion.

I think that we all ultimately make or will make our own individual
decisions as to where "the line" is for us with respect to proximity
to the wild nature we want to get close to. The more rational
information we can look at and add to our opinions, feelings and goals
for our "birding" and "photography" selves, the more balanced our
positions will be and the 'cooler' things will become. Maybe, just
maybe, we will figure some things out and find ourselves changing a
bit, in the direction of acting in a more beneficial way toward
wildlife, the environment and each other.

Thanks to all of you who are overtly and behind-the-scenes, spending
some time, energy, thought and emotion on this complex issue. I've
particularly appreciated the SNOW informational and observational
posts by the following contributors, from today (and a couple from
yesterday). They helped me sort a few things out. Thanks to: Phil
Mitchell (seasprocket), Joseph Higbee, Cindy Ashy, Joe Mackie, Dennis
Paulson, Andrew McCormick, Paul Bannick (through Christine Southwick),
Christine Southwick herself, Nigel Ball, Bill Dewey (retief), Darrel
Denune, David Gluckman, Don Nelson, and Mike Patterson. I guess I
spent a lot of time reading Tweeter posts today - well, it did keep me
away from the draw of another Snowy or other owl search - a
therapeutic break for me and maybe a break for an owl or two - who
knows? :-)

With all the good minds, good hearts and interest so many here on
Tweeters have shown regarding the "proximity" issue, I am hoping and
have faith that caring, ingenuity, humor and 'facts' will combine for
some new looks at and approaches to some of the birds and bird-
appreciators we encounter in our pursuit of whatever it is we are 'out
there' for - and without the need for official regulation.

I think this civil discussion is bringing out the best in many of us -
is it the season?

Have a cheery one.

Barb Deihl

North Matthews Beach - NE Seattle

barbdeihl at comcast.net

www.flickr.com/photos/deihl