I concur that there hasn't been any real wrongdoing. I think intrusion has
been minimized.     The only thing that Dave said that might not quite be
correct is his reference to the owl as a "northern species", although from
the source he used, that is not a bad generalization. However from other
sources (my Thayer for one) it appears that Long-ears are not necessarily a
northern species. They breed into the southwest deserts. The maps aren't
real good but show them breeding as far east as the coastal plain. I looked
at the list of breeding records in S&R and they are all from the piedmont
and coastal plain counties. But that is strictly for the first half of the
century, whether or not that can be treated as a pre 'global warming' thing
is a matter for extended debate.
    I am simply suggesting that we ought to treat these birds as possible
breeding candidates, if there is such a thing. As I said, the fact that they
want to keep moving around indicates to me some evidence that they don't
like having their picture taken. Only the latest site - in the pines - is
back from the trail enough to warrant a scope. The other 2 sites almost
invited us to try to pet them. They were at eye level and not at all far off
the trail. I think everybody has behaved admirably so far and the annoyance
of the birds is likely due to the numbers and persistence (somebody is
looking at them almost all day) than anything else.
    I think we should error on the side of caution. If these birds are
willing to breed, let's not disturb them.
    Tom Stock points out correctly that there is a lot of horse traffic. The
local equestrian council practically runs the place. However if you have
ever ridden a horse around wildlife they are practically oblivious to you.
Deer for example seem completely unaware of the rider and think the horse is
just another grass guzzler. The primary traffic zone is on the main road up
the hill from the owl area. Only a few fools like me and Bob trek around the
place into every nook and cranny. And the less you do that during tick
season the better.
    Jerry Tarbell