Hi,

The little Northern Saw-whet Owls have been very reliable in the same
location for weeks at CLNP, but are not there today.  Examination of the
roost site showed that the tangle had been trimmed with a clipper all the
way back to where one of the little owls would sit.  Of course the owl is
no longer there.

These owls showed remarkable fidelity to this location and tolerance to
close approach by humans which is typical if they are in a protected
location.  Cutting the tangle eliminated the protective aspect of the roost
and so the little owls are gone.

I was not present when the cutting was done and do not know the reason.
Anything I might suggest would be speculative and so I refuse to speculate
for the reason or motive for the disturbance.

This was great while it lasted, and it is too bad the site was disturbed in
such a gross manner.  The fidelity to this site over such a long period
provides good evidence of how tolerant owls can be to human presence so
long as we do not go too far.

How far is too far? Cutting stuff certainly.  Also touching the bird.  I
have found that having loud groups taken to see roosting owls also results
in them leaving an otherwise reliable roost. But as Roger Tory Peterson
noted so long ago, Owls can otherwise be ridiculously tame and
approachable.  No different than Warblers or Chickadees in the right
situation.

Haans

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