Frank, 

This is VERY similar to my experience - but in each case the single hoot was not repeated - just once.   

Someone suggested it might be a juvenile, just trying out their voice.  Sounded reasonable to me - but then again, I don't know at all.   

Anyone else? 

Joanne


Joanne Howl, DVM

West River, MD




-----Original Message-----
From: Frank Marenghi <>
To: 
Sent: Thu, Sep 23, 2010 12:27 pm
Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Single hoot


 
manda and I also heard a single hoot from an owl while camping at Tuckahoe SP a 
ouple of weeks ago. We heard Barred at a different spot in the park around 
usk. The single hoot came in the middle of the night and was not the typical 
all of any of the owls.  It was quite close and only making the one note, not a 
istant muffled sound, and not downslurred. It was not a Barred. I considered 
ong-eared as well but it was giving one note every 2 - 4 minutes not every 2 - 
 seconds like the typical Long-eared call. It sounded like a Great Horned to me 
ut it was only doing the first long hoot of the typical series "hoo hoo hoo 
OOT hoot." It was somewhat drawn out (lasted about 1 full second). I had never 
eard this vocalization even though I did owl surveys for a few years as an 
ndergrad and then as an Audubon volunteer. These were all in the winter / 
pring, however. I wonder if Great Horned gives a different or abbreviated call 
n late summer / fall? Not sure if Long-eared ever gives a single hoot? Habitat 
as mixed deciduous / coniferous with adjacent open areas which would be fine 
or Great Horned. 

heers,

rank Marenghi
nnapolis, MD


                     =