Ohio Birders,

I have been fascinated with Northern Saw-whets the last few winters and only recently have I started to think I am beginning to get a clearer understanding of this species on its wintering range...specifically, the different calls, habitat preference, etc.  BNA describes 11 different vocalizations of this species, though I have only heard a few of them, and each of these even apparently has some substantial variability.

In winter in Ohio, we rarely hear the classic territorial tooting, though certainly not unprecedented.  Usually they call in response to a playback or imitation of this call (or even screech-owls I have found, as well), and very often they just fly in silently in response to some type of playback or imitation.  The call I have most frequently heard in winter in Ohio and SE MI is the "mew" type call - in my experience, usually only one or two calls though I have read they will do it more persistently.  I have heard variations of the "toot" call as well, usually more drawn out than the standard territorial call, only in singles or doubles, but always in response to a playback.

I am also interested in any experiences of those with wintering Saw-whets in deciduous woods.  At Maumee Bay State Park near Toledo, we encounter Saw-whets most often at the edges of decidous woods (usually good tangles and cover associated, esp. along the edges) in low (wet?) spots just as often as I encounter them in conifers anywhere.  We (at least I do ) typically associate this species with roosting in conifers, and we do see them there obviously, but I wonder if this may actually be secondary in preference.

I am seeking info from experts out there who really know their saw-whets.  I think it was Dave Horn who sent me a link to Saw-whet recordings at Borror Lab, but now when I go there, I see only 8 recordings, none of which are different.  Dave, or others who know that site well that have made it this far in my post - could you help me out with this?  I would love to really dig into the obscure call notes of this species.  I "get" the 2 or 3 more common vocalizations we hear in the winter but a couple of times I have heard noises I suspected were Saw-whets but could not get a visual.

In addition, if any of the Saw-whet banders are out there, or others who feel they have a good handle on winter habitat preference for this species, I would love to hear from you.

I have been poking around near my home alot lately for this species, and am beginning to think there could be a heck of a lot more of these wonderful little owls around than we even begin to realize.

Thanks very much!

Greg Links
-Somewhere near Toledo

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