The WOS "Owls by Night" field trip on Bainbridge Island was held in the face
of less than an optimal forecast. The group experienced precipitation in
the form of drizzle, light rain, and scattered snowflakes, and winds from
calm to 10 mph. Despite the weather, the group did get to hear and see a
few owls.



The group met me at my Northern Saw-whet Owl (NSWO) banding station at the
south end of the Island, where, on the first net run, we had an unbanded
after second year female saw-whet in the net. The group watched me band and
process the bird and record various measurements prior to release. While
waiting, we also heard several other calls from saw-whets, and a distant
male tooting while I was taking down the nets.



The next stop produced a NSWO that chirped to alert us to its presence, but
would not stick around for viewing. Such was the case for the other two
NSWO that the group heard.



The resident male Barred Owl at Islandwood was coaxed into a viewing, after
hearing his vocalizations for several minutes. A better view of a Barred
Owl was obtained later at the north end of the Island. Near the Bloedel
Reserve, the group once again heard the quick warning chirp of a NSWO in
response to my calls, but upon investigation, found a Barred Owl looking
down upon us. Also at this location, Orion, the educational Great Horned
Owl at the West Sound Wildlife Shelter suddenly felt the urge to start
calling, so the group was treated to his calls.



In addition to the owls, there were 4 deer, 1 coyote, and 1 raccoon
encountered enroute to the various stops. Total owls: 5 NSWO, 3 BDOW.



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!