Hello Sammy,

So I've been following the Eide LEOW "saga" (if you can call it that) all winter, and I have been confused. Why are so many people swarming that one pair? Is it the most reliable location to see them in Puget Sound? Is there an abnormally high number of LEOWs there? Is it simply an incredible opportunity to see and photograph Long-eared Owls at their roosts, or is there something more? Not that there needs to be more, I'm just wondering about the story that lead to dozens of birders and photographers visiting there weekly, and even a special on King-5! If you, or anyone else, can explain the backstory and timeline, that would be great.

Good birding, Joshua Glant

Mercer Island, WA

Josh.n.glant at gmail.com


> On Feb 6, 2015, at 8:47 PM, Sammy Catiis <hikersammy at msn.com> wrote:
>
> Just an FYI. So many photographers are encroaching on the LEO, that the WDFW is considering closing it. You must at all times stay a minimum of 30 feet from the Owl. There is to be no chasing, taunting, breaking down enviro for better photo opts, flash photography or baiting. I have seen all of this listed but the baiting. It has NOT helped that KING 5 did a report saying how they were 6 feet from the Owl and giving directions for everyone to come see this. PLEASE, do not hesitate if you see ANYONE breaking these rules to call them on it, or feel free to call 911 as a non-emergency. Fish and Wildlife and those designated to police the area, are standing by to assist. This needs to stop before it's closed all together. It will not matter to those policing the site or WDFW what your intent or background is. This behavior will not be tolerated. The Chinook Bend area is another area they are monitoring. Lets keep the owls relaxed and asleep during the day, so maybe they will continue to call this area their home, or at least come back to visit. I for one, have been going to Eide for many years and would be sad to see it closed due to a few people.
>
> Thank you,
> Sammy
> Arlington
>
> Feel free to write me with any questions regarding this. Signs will be posted at parkinglot or trail entrance soon.
>
>
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