Hi folks,
Around Thanksgiving of 2017, my brother and I observed three Short-eared Owls
(SEOW) in Cades "Cove" from Hyatt Hill in the Great Smoky Mountains National
Park. A few days later, another party observed three SEOW. These sightings
have been followed by repeated observations from Hyatt Lane, and to my
knowledge, never more than one bird in a single outing. Additional reports
from over the southeast suggest that SEOW is more prevalent this winter in
suitable grassland habitat. Considering the extent of native grass restoration
in Cades Cove and the apparent fluctuation of the SEOW, I thought it would be
good to try and learn if other fields were being used by SEOW in the Cove and
if so, to what extent. After an informal query to birding friends who were
interested, the research coordinator at the park was contacted and a permit was
issued to conduct the survey.
The survey will be conducted on Saturday, January 20th. We hope many of you
are interested as there are many fields to survey, not just along Hyatt Lane,
which is the traditional location for observing Short-eared Owls. Warren
Bielenberg has put together a list of fields (16) and proposed number of people
to adequately cover the prime fields in the Cove. We are looking for 15-20
(more would be better) volunteers to assist in this effort. If we don't get
that many, its okay, we'll prioritize the fields and let folks pick where they
want to go or make assignments.
You won't need a lot of expertise to conduct the survey, but its essential that
you be able to recognize Short-eared Owls and their flight
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLXCcAMivMc ;
https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DyLXCcAMivMc&h=ATONFaE300VPwriW7eJa0Py7OPZFMWlzviyIrAESbHP3vwHFtscJJ-1_7wXguURBfCthuSJUHFmwI3hJOEJYmeUM6De_xBBqUU4LISxYlt9wGs4I9COgQJgeleLG-G3bEdmnP5_wznimWxTzYY7_9ibc9UEHd2WZgoOe01ge7DMo4vqyb2GD565qE97psOsigV7-bSo54Y4oRFRdREzLrv-FOUO01Kic6HN8cmMeCiPzkiv7ZMpGmjCYQdYw4gyjAJGT1hIpxVdPdOYUJXlgfI2uiZbNYTGRUk0FHasPDb1uMuPV8Q
). It would also be essential to recognize Northern Harrier and their flight:
the two species often comingle in the same fields, obviously where there is
good hunting for both.
If you happen to be an experienced birder, we also ask and encourage recording
other bird observations while in the field.
The survey will begin at 3:30 in the afternoon until too dark to spot owls
(sunset is 5:49 pm); probably around 6:15 to 6:30. Sometimes the owls do fly
before dusk and perch in the open, hence the early start. But I'd also like to
record as many bird species and numbers as possible during this time. If you
want to participate and can't make it this early, you can coordinate with me
about a survey location.
Let's plan to meet at 2 pm at the Artistic Bean in Townsend, 8027 E Lamar
Alexander Pkwy Townsend, TN (its very near Wears Valley Road and Trillium
Cove). This is a coffee and pastry shop that uses organic products and roast
their own organic coffees (best around in my experience). We'll go over field
assignments and some minor protocol before venturing out.
Bring plenty of layered clothing, snacks and drink; its hard to tell what the
Smokies will deliver weather wise.
When you exit the Cove, drive to the information kiosk near the Loop Road
entrance to release your data and share your experience.
You can either respond to me at piedbird@xxxxxxxxxxx
mailto:piedbird@xxxxxxxxxxx or via Facebook Messenger. ;
Feel free to bring up any issues or concerns or questions at any time and I
look forward to hearing from you all.
Peace
Keith Watson
Pittman Center TN
Sevier County
