Hello Everyone,



I know that you're all probably disappointed that winter atlasing activities
are over for the Ohio Winter Bird Atlas.  I know that I am.  But that
disappointment doesn't have to last even a day.  Why, you may be asking?
Ohio Breeding Bird Atlas II to the rescue!



Yes...'tis true.  First off, Rock Pigeon observations constitute legitimate
BBA data all year round (House Sparrows starting February 1st).  Big deal
you may be thinking.  Well, that's understandable, but then comes February.
February 1st marks the beginning of the safe date ranges for two species of
owls...Great Horned and Barred.  Great Horned Owls can be incubating eggs in
Ohio as early as late-January.  Barred Owls have been known to be nesting as
early as February in the southwestern part of the state.



Any vocal or visual detection of either species between February 1st and
July 31st is valuable for the Ohio Breeding Bird Atlas II.  Confirmed
breeding observations, such as active nests, are always more-desirable
records in the framework of BBA data collection, but simple detection
observations are better than nothing at all.  Simple detection observations
can be bumped up to the probably level if a bird is heard calling in the
same general location for a week or more apart.



So, who out there has already heard a Barred Owl or Great Horned Owl calling
in their backyards?  Seen one fly across the road?  If you're one of the
lucky ones so far in 2007, I'd love to chat.  Give me a call at 614-247-6458
or send me an email at [log in to unmask]  If you're already an atlas volunteer,
be sure to get out there to canvas your blocks for early season
vocalizations of these awesome owl species.



Up next in March...woodpeckers, chickadees, cardinals, and early nesting
hawks!



Happy Atlasing Everyone!



Aaron Boone

Project Coordinator

Ohio Breeding Bird Atlas II

www.ohiobirds.org/obba2/




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