9 replies to this topic

[Dragonflyspit]

This little guy had been calling continually since at least 5 AM when the moon was bright and there wasn't a hint of dawn. It's western Oregon south of Eugene. Douglas fir woods mixed with some cedars and hardwoods. 31 degrees and very wet. There are numerous small creeks around. He seems to be on a hill overlooking one. The only owls I've heard here is very rarely a screech owl. Maybe this guy is too far away to hear the whole call?

http://static.photob...n/VIDEO0054.mp4

[psweet]

This is either a Northern Saw-whet Owl or a Northern Pygmy-Owl. Their calls are quite similar, and I haven't heard either one in quite a while, so that's as far as I can take it for you.

[JimBob]

Listening to a bunch of recordings, it sounds a little more like Northern Saw-whet.

[Dragonflyspit]

I just listened to a bunch or recordings of those two owls also, and I also think it sounds more like a saw-whet. The pygmy calls seemed a hair slower, but I wouldn't have known either without you guys.

This is so exciting! I've been so disappointed by the dearth of wildlife in this area compared to other places I've lived. Hearing this just tickles me to death. Thanks guys!

[psweet]

Western Oregon, devoid of wildlife? I think you just need to learn what things sound like -- when I was doing surveys out there, I would expect to see less than 10% of what I heard.

[cestma]

I just listened to a bunch or recordings of those two owls also, and I also think it sounds more like a saw-whet. The pygmy calls seemed a hair slower, but I wouldn't have known either without you guys.

This is so exciting! I've been so disappointed by the dearth of wildlife in this area compared to other places I've lived. Hearing this just tickles me to death. Thanks guys!

I'd find it very exciting too!

[Julie H]

The dearth of wildlife may have to do with the possible over logging of so many of the areas in the NorthWest. With all-aged forests, as we have here in Santa Cruz County, we have so much diversity, it wobbles the mind. Just in the last 2 weeks, I've counted at least 33 different bird species. there are many more I cannot see, but I hear them. What a wonderful place...

Julie

[Dragonflyspit]

I think you might be right, Julie. I've lived all over the country, but never anywhere with so little wildlife (including sounds, scat, prints & other signs). I'm out in the woods, but in Oregon, a tree is lucky to make it to 35 years old. Everything is clear-cut and planted with Douglas fir. Not a natural wood to be found for miles.

[Dragonflyspit]

I think you might be right, Julie. I've lived all over the country, but never anywhere with so little wildlife (including sounds, scat, prints & other signs). I'm out in the woods, but in Oregon, a tree is lucky to make it to 35 years old. Everything is clear-cut and planted with Douglas fir. Not a natural wood to be found for miles.