Please Don't Do That!

My heart is heavy. I read an article that the government is going to allow barred owls to be shot so that the northern spotted owl can survive.

If you have been following my blog, you know that I really like barred owls. We had baby owls at our campsite at Mosquito Lake State Park Campground for the past three years. In 2011, we actually saw the “twins” (see blog titled Twins in May 2011) go in and out of the tree cavity where their nest was located, then stand precariously on the branch, without an ounce of grace, because they still didn’t know how to fly.  Their fluffy little bodies looked so soft like someone had dropped lint on them and it stuck. We enjoyed hearing the little sounds they made as babies, then as they grew older, we could distinguish that they were trying to imitate their parents to let out a real “Who Who” call. I have enjoyed watching the huge black eyes of both babies and adults look down at me while I looked up at them. They didn’t seem to be afraid of us when we were outside in our site. We have watched as the barred owl swoops down to grab a chipmunk using his sharp talons, take it to a branch and enjoy for a fresh yummy dinner.

So strong is my attraction to these beautiful birds that I actually got angry at several crows that were picking on the twins when they were very young. They had taken one of their first ventures a few trees away from their nest. The crows made loud squawks and wouldn’t be quiet. This drew the attention of more of their kind that came to help pester the babies. After diving toward the babies while flying near them, the crows finally perched in branches circling the twins, trapping them on the branches. Finally one of the parents appeared and the crows took off. There is definitely a pecking order with birds and the barred owls are near the top. Their only predator is the great horned owl.

Back to the northern spotted owl. I was surprised when I looked for a picture of a northern spotted owl and saw such a big resemblance to the barred owl in color and spots. Their main US habitat is in the northwestern states and California. This species is on the endangered list and its population is said to be decreasing 3% yearly.

The northern spotted owl has been a source of controversy for years. It was believed that loggers were taking away their favorite habitat, old growth forests. Lumbering in some areas was prohibited, putting many people out of work. Then it was discovered that weather, droughts, and fire were also a danger for the endangered species. Now comes the barred owl, moving into the territory of endangered northern spotted owls, and also being charged for their demise. It is said that the barred owls take over nests, kill the northern spotted owl or disturb their mating and incubating process.

Are we now profiling birds, willing to kill one species to save another? I hope not. Let’s find another solution.