FW: [Birdtalk] Northern Hawk Owl request

[James D. McIntyre]

In addition to Cliff's and Lisa's request to birders to give the Rexburg
NHOW 'breathing space', I also hope that bird banders will leave this owl
alone.

When I viewed and photographed the Sun Valley NHOW in early March, 2004, it
had already been captured and banded.  It was unclear to me whether any
useful scientific data (e.g., weight, length) was obtained from this
capture.  But during the time I observed it, it was constantly pecking at
the new band on its leg - obviously bothered.

The chances of recovering this owl in the vast northern boreal forest are
virtually nil.  So, in my opinion, there is little purpose in banding such a
rare visitor and causing it discomfort.

This bird flew far south to Idaho to find food.  Let's enjoy it respectfully
and give it every chance to survive the winter.

Jim

-----Original Message-----
From: birdtalk-bounces at utahbirds.org [mailto:birdtalk-bounces at utahbirds.org]
On Behalf Of Cliff and Lisa Weisse
Sent: Tuesday, November 13, 2007 7:52 PM
To: IBLE; Birdtalk
Subject: [Birdtalk] Northern Hawk Owl request

Just wanted to post a quick reminder regarding the Northern Hawk Owl.  
If you come to see it please keep far enough from the bird so that you 
don't flush it.  It is very cooperative and allows you to approach close 
enough so it's possible to obtain excellent photos without getting so 
close that the bird feels threatened and flushes.  There are quite a few 
people coming out to see it so we need to make sure we don't harass the 
bird unnecessarily.  Let's keep the bird's welfare our first priority 
and enjoy it while it's here.  If you haven't seen it yet it's worth the 
trip.  Today we watched it catch a vole, eat half of it, then cache the 
rest of it in a small spruce tree.   Amazing to see this behavior.

It seems to be making a good living where it is so hopefully it'll stick 
around for a while. 

Thanks.
Cliff

-- 
Cliff and Lisa Weisse
Island Park, Idaho
cliffandlisa at octobersetters.com

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