I led a group of owlers from Seattle Audubon on an owl walk early this
morning under less than ideal conditions. The group met at my banding
station after taking the 0210 ferry from Seattle. The heavy mist clung to
the nets, making them visible to the owls. We did hear one bird chirp
several times in the vicinity of the nets. Saw-whets tend to shut down with
a falling barometer and any type of precipitation.



After taking down the nets, our second stop brought in a Barred Owl
immediately in response to my saw-whet calls. The bird was looking for an
easy meal. The group got good looks at this bird.



The Grand Forest produced the only visible saw-whet during a break in the
precipitation. A very inquisitive bird repeatedly flew over us and landed in
close proximity, but remained hidden despite my use of night vision. We did
get a quick look of its silhouette as it initially flew overhead. A pair of
Barred Owls to the east of us called to each other for several minutes. It
was a good opportunity to hear the difference in pitch between the male and
the female.



Near the Bloedel the group had their last saw-whet of the night, a bird that
twittered high in the fir trees but refused to come down or call.

We were also treated to Orion calling, the educational Great Horned Owl
caged at the West Sound Wildlife Center.



At our last stop, the mist intensified to a steady rain. A cooperative
Barred Owl appeared, and the group got more close looks at this species.



Total for the night: 3 Northern Saw-whet Owls, 5 Barred Owls.



Considering the weather, a respectable showing.



J. Acker

Bainbridge Island, WA

<mailto:Owler at sounddsl.com> Owler at sounddsl.com



A voice unspoken (or unwritten) is a voice unheard.

Be heard!