FreeLists / va-bird / [va-bird] Northern Virginia Owl Survey

["Kurt Gaskill" <KurtCapt87@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

VA BIRDers,

 

With the approach of Christmas bird count season, it becomes interesting to
learn about the locations of various owl species in the Northern Virginia
area.  Yet, even more important is determining the impact of the tremendous
construction boom and the resultant habitat change effecting owl presence in
Northern Virginia.  Since owls are an indicator of habitat conservation and
health, it is valuable to gain information about their presence and
distribution.  There is some previous baseline data on owl presence in the
area, albeit it's focused on some of the larger parks and not neighborhoods.

 

A group of us are developing an interest in obtaining baseline data on owl
presence in Northern Virginia (Fairfax Co & included cities, Arlington,
Prince William and Loudoun Cos.)  In this message we are requesting that the
subscribers of VA BIRDS (and others who get this note) to submit information
on owl observations to us.  We request this information be submitted to one
of us listed below - specific information on individual owls will not be
made publicly.  The information will be used primarily to map the
distribution of species and allow an assessment of habitat use in suburban
Northern Virginia.  Data from this year as well as the prior 2 years (2003 &
2004) are of interest.  We are greatly interested in neighborhood owls!
Please contact one of us with your information or questions.  If you are
able, please identify the owl species and date and location of hearing or
seeing your subject bird(s).  Nesting or juvenile information is of interest
and will be included with the data.

 

And, to get the ball rolling on this effort, let me note that Great Horned
Owls can be quite vocal this time of year!

 

On behalf of all of of us coordinating this activity, thank you for your
help in this Survey.

 

Kurt Gaskill: Ft Belvoir CBC compiler &    KurtCapt87 at verizon.net

Lara Bainbridge: owl & raptor rehabilitation, and  "hootmeister" &
lets_hoot at cox.net

Joe Coleman: Central Loudoun CBC compiler, Loudoun Co owl compiler &
jandkcoleman@xxxxxxxxx

Larry Cartwright:   DC CBC compiler &   prowarbler at erols.com

PJ Dunn: Fairfax County owl compiler &   pjdunn1 at aol.com

Jay Keller: Arlington County owl compiler &    azure.jay at earthlink.net

Marc Ribaudo: Prince William Co owl compiler &   moribaudo at verizon.net

Rich Rieger: Northern Virginia Bird Club President &   zelig88 at aol.com