I readily admit that I sound like a hypocrite saying this, since Tyler
Bell and I joined the (huge) crowd that saw one of the owls on Sunday, but
I wholeheartedly agree with Jerry's assessment and request. That the birds
keep moving and separating was worrisome to me even yesterday as I admired
the gorgeous one we were seeing. I would hope that folks heed the call to
caution and stop going into the (very limited) woods that make up this
pair's habitat. Anyone who doesn't get to see these owls because of such
restraint will earn many golden stars (birds?) in the big cosmic
scorekeeping book in the sky (IMHO). Jane

Jane Kostenko
California, MD


> I am going to admit some ignorance as to the owls we have been viewing. I
> thought they were probably migrating thru and were not likely to stay
> here.
> That's because I never bothered to consult my only Owl book. Although it
> is
> dated, -Alcorn, 1986 - it says and I quote, "It is not highly migratory
> and
> the winter range is approximately that of the breeding range."
>     I have been advised by more knowledgeable folks than me that we are
> probably disturbing a pair that want to breed. The fact that they keep
> moving only underscores the likelihood that we are disturbing them.
>     With this in mind, I recommend that the tours stop. I know another
> tick
> on a list is exciting, but I for one have decided to discontinue visiting
> Morgan Run for a while. I hope others act responsibly and do the same. It
> practically took somebody hitting me over the head with it.
>
>     Jerry Tarbell
>     Carroll County