Michael Ryon and I observed a Short-eared Owl a few minutes after sunset at its
typical location on Hyatt Lane in Cades Cove. We saw it both in flight, with
wing patches clearly visible, and perched on a tree, at which point we got good
views through Michael's spotting scope. Note, however, that we were ushered
out by a park ranger about 15 minutes after sunset. I am used to being ushered
out on Sparks Lane, but this is the first time that I have ever been escorted
out on Hyatt Lane. Another birder mentioned that the same thing happened to
her earlier this year. I don't know if this is a new protocol, or if this is
simply a quicker and more efficient implementation of an existing protocol. In
either case, lengthy stays after sunset, even of thirty minutes or so, might
not always be available in the future.
Randy WinsteadMaryville, Blount County
