Here's a story in the Chicago Tribune about the LE Owls that are roosting on the south side of the loop.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/lifestyle/explore/chi-080117brotmanowls-story,0,5498599.story
What a perfect publicity subject for birds, birding and birders. There are people stopping by that aren't birders that enjoy the owls. One girl, Nina, who is 17, got to see the birds for her birthday. She was quite ecstatic about it. As they point out, "remarkable things are ahead". Only good can come from this.
However, protecting the birds should be at the back of all our minds. They don't seem to be disturbed as of now. I hope that stays that way. We should be watching the birds closely and be prepared to back off at the slightest sign of disturbing them.
Otherwise, I say enjoy them while they're there. If they don't appear to be disturbed, then it means that owls and people are living side by side. The owls get what they need and we get to enjoy them.
Now I just have to get down there before roosting season is over. I need LE Owl for a few lists. Not just my year list. lol
Happy Birding!
2 comments:
A friend and I birded New York's Central Park on January 5 and were told upon inquiring wit a park ranger about interesting birds that there was a pair of LEs roosting in a circle of Korean pines, and had been for several weeks. We made a beeline for the area and were treated to a half hour of excellent views of the pair. A few other casual park goers stopped by while we were there, several with children they'd brought to see the apparently well-known pair -- they weren't birders.
I am a regular reader of City Birder and of 10,000 Birds, both of which cover Central Park, and never read a single mention. Your discussion of the "Omerta of Owls" policy among Wisconsin birders made me think that was why these two blogs never mentioned the birds
I certainly agree. These birds are understudied and not much is known about them. I think we underestimate their adaptability. Not that we should go out a broadcast the location of every roost we can find and try to get thousands of birders to group around and purposely disturb the birds, but at the same time, we should be a little more open about these birds, and all birds for that matter, so that more people can enjoy them. Do this and more people will be interested in protecting them.
Happy Birding! --Chris
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