Gayle Bach-Watson writes:

> Just for clarification. . .should I post info on owls? Or 
> should I call leaders such as yourself and let determinations 
> be made by those much more experienced than I?
> What is the protocol?

The old rule of thumb that Claudia Wilds used to use when she was
doing the Voice of the Naturalist was never to report owl sightings
except for Short-eared Owls and Snowy Owls.  The rationale about
these two species is that they tend to be open-country birds and
hunt during the day and don't need to hide out during the day.
Also, they can be seen from relatively long distances and so can be
admired without getting too close or without damaging their daytime
roosts while searching for them.

Other owls generally hide out during the day and if their roosting
location is advertised too widely some birders have a tendency to go
looking for them (often in not so gentle ways).

I would ask that those posting on MDOsprey follow this protocol as
well.  It's okay to say you saw or heard an owl, just don't give
specific locations or directions.

Thanks!

Norm Saunders