I initiate this blog with my recent encounters with a Barred Owl. I first saw it from my kitchen window facing the backyard. I saw a flurry of activity in the snow at the base of a tree. I thought, at first, that it was a wounded crow so I went outside to look further. The bird, which I no longer thought was a crow, flew up to alight onto a tree branch. I went over to see what kind of bird it was and to my delight saw that it was a Barred Owl. his owl, over the next few days, responded favorably to calls, both recorded and mimicked by myself. Last night, it came on its own volition. I fear, however, that it may be getting hungrier for the snow is deep and the crust of it is frozen. It's frst attack on a vole or shrew found it stuck in the snow and unable to free itself with an animal in its clutch.
Henry David Thoreau writes in Walden: "I rejoice that there are owls. Let them do the idiotic and maniacal hooting for men. It is a sound admirably suited to swamps and twilight woods which no day illustrates, suggesting a vast and underdeveloped nature which men have not recognized. They represent the stark twilight and unsatisfied thoughts which all [men] have."
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Paul, I'm havig a bit of trouble getting through here, but good stuff. Check this out.
Dwight
WHO IS STUDYING BARRED OWLS?
Over the years, birders (birdwatchers) have reported a seasonal phenomenon in winter where large numbers of owls appear in different areas of Massachusetts, as well as other parts of the country. This is particularly noticeable when Snowy Owls appear in the state, but this scenario is also true for other owl species. Based on current sighting reports, such a large incursion of Barred Owls is occurring this year in the region. Little is known about these unpredictable periodic winter incursions, but a collaborative effort between MassWildlife, Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, and MassAudubon may be helpful in attempting to understand seasonal movements of Barred Owls.
Barred Owls found dead as well as injured owls received by licensed wildlife rehabilitators will be examined at the veterinary school’s wildlife clinic in North Grafton by staff from the three cooperating groups. Owls will be weighed, measured, aged, sexed, and examined to determine the cause of death, body condition (fat reserves), and stomach contents. The data collected will be used to understand more about periodic irruptions of Barred Owls.
MassWildlife and the other cooperators are seeking assistance in acquiring as many Barred Owl specimens from this season’s incursion as is possible to examine. “Injured owls may lawfully be picked up by members of the public and should be delivered to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator,” said Dr. Tom French, MassWildlife’s Assistant Director of Natural Heritage and Endangered Species. A listing of “rehabbers” can be found on the MassWildlife website in the Wildlife area at: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/wildlife/rehab/wildlife_rehab.htm.
French asked that if at all possible, carcasses of Barred Owls should be directly delivered to the Tufts Wildlife Clinic in North Grafton. “It is technically unlawful for the public to pick up dead owls,” said French, “But this is generally sanctioned if the dead bird is delivered directly to a state or federal wildlife agency, wildlife rehabilitator, nature center, university, or similar organization.” Direct authorization can be provided to any individual from an appropriate state or federal wildlife agency employee by phone. The Wildlife Clinic at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine is located off Westboro Road (Rte 30) in North Grafton. Phone is 508/839-7918. For directions to the campus and wildlife clinic hours of operation go to: www.tufts.edu/vet.
Requests from educational and scientific organizations who wish to obtain Barred Owl specimens for further research or education can contact Dr. French at tom.french@state.ma.us or call him at 508/389-6355.
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