It's great to hear that long-eared owls are once again being seen at Killdeer Plains, but I'd like to offer
the first thoughts that come into my head at this breaking news, before hundreds wear a wide path to
the base of this tree:
For the past several years, long-eared owls have been rarely seen at this once, heavily visited site, and
although there has been speculation as to exactly why they have chosen not to roost here of late,
there has been some thought that over-viewing may contribute to the decline--so might the
advancing age and size of the trees in the stand.
So, my concern involves the distance we birders observe when viewing owls. Long-eared owls rely on
their ability to hide in plain sight when threatened, meaning that, although it may appear that the owl
is not bothered by your presence in that it has not flown off the branch, if its posture is one described
as being stretched tall and thin and wide eyes stare back at you, you ARE too close. If an owl takes to
the air during the day, its life may be jeopardized--a situation never to be provoked.
I would hope that, as exciting as it may be to have long-eared owls again roosting at Killdeer,
extreme caution and responsibility be enforced. A spotting scope might be better used than a close
approach to the tree, and photographs taken with a long lens better than snapshots taken at close
range.
All of us in the birding community should be able to be pleased simply in knowing that they are there,
and make choices for our behavior that puts the well-being of these wonderful birds first.
Nina Harfmann
Granville, OH
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