FreeLists / tn-bird / [TN-Bird] It's a Hoot!

[OLCOOT1@xxxxxxx]

Dec. 6, 2002
Shelby Co.
Bartlett, TN

It was 3:20 this morning and I found myself suddenly awake, not startled, but 
wide awake like someone had gently shook me and whispered, "listen". A Great 
Horned Owl was softly calling from a favored perch that is familiar to me, as 
it is just a few yards from my window. It was a sound that had left my nights 
many years ago, while all the building went on that filled every nook and 
cranny with houses.

Fortunately, my 2 acres and 120 year old house are snuggled between a 7 acre 
track and a 4 acre track, each with individual homes that were already in 
place and most likely will never be subdivided.

The Great Horned Owls had disappeared many years back, but 4 years ago a 
Screech Owl came to call and I occasionally see it perched over my drive at 
night. About three years ago this Great Horned couple appeared and they 
always start their courtship about this time each year; the renewal of their 
vows. 

I'll get use to this wooing shortly but I will probably awake each night for 
some time and listen to this wonderful talk of love by these two beautiful 
creatures. I have heard all types of vocalizations from them, including the 
human like whistles that Ben Coffey had once told me about. The source of 
which had baffled him for some time on his night time recording sessions. 
I've even probably made many of these same noises myself in similar 
circumstances. :O)))

Anyway, it is always a hoot when these two start wooing anew.............

Good Birding!!!

Jeff R. Wilson
OL' COOT / TLBA
Bartlett Tenn.


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