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February 2008

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From:
jen brumfield <[log in to unmask]>
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jen brumfield <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Thu, 14 Feb 2008 23:00:42 +0000
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Greetings birders - 
 
Some unfortunate news in the way of a half "sighting". 
Last week I checked out a really great location in South Chagrin Reservation of Cleveland Metroparks, near Jackson Field. In a stand of white pines and cedars I was surprised an overjoyed to find an eye-level perch in a cedar doused in white-wash and below, three small, quarter-sized round pellets. I searched high and low for a small northern owl, but couldn't find my quarry. This was the day after the big rain/ice/snow storm that caused tons of flooding. Searching in still horrid conditions, I decided to return on a calmer day...today...to check out the roosting spot again. 
 
After searching the location for a half hour, in the cedar/pine woods, I found 16 feathers scattered ontop of the crisp deep snow....Northern Saw-whet Owl primary and a couple of secondary feathers. The ID was immediately narrowed down to an owl species by the extraordinarily soft and delicately-fringed edges...then by size (very small primaries) and coloration (dark chocolate brown with large (and medium) white oval spots. A few of the feathers were bloodied at the tip of the shaft. The outermost two primaries and the alula are still stuck together....futhermore explaining that this NSWO was likely attacked by a predator (possibly Coopers/Sharp-shinned/Barred Owl). 
 
Bummer. 
 
But at least interesting to note that persistant searching in NE Ohio may turn up a wintering resident Northern Saw-whet....hopefully worth enjoying alive - 
 
I'll try to post some photos of the feathers this week on either rarebird.org or the ohiobirds discussion forum. 
 
cheers and best of birding
Jen Brumfield
 
 
 
 
 
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