Timiskaming Birds Forum

There has reportedly been a Short-eared Owl at Hilliardton Marsh over the last couple of days. It was heard calling in the vicinity of the south entrance for the last couple of evenings, heard by those banding Saw-whets. It would be nice if this bird could be located during daylight hours, and decided to hang around long enough for a chance at some pictures.  If I have time this weekend, I may try to see if I can find it.

The Short-eared was at the marsh again last night. I'm pretty sure it is responding to the recording used to call in the Saw-whet's and Boreals, as it does not show up until after the tape starts playing. Alas, this is usually after dark - so no photo ops presented themselves.  It stays up near treetop level and "squaks", but it is still a challenge just to find it, as it tends to move around quite a bit, and the call seems to have some ventriloquist qualities.

 I wonder if it would show up in the daytime if we played its own call? If I can get away from my Win 7 & associated instalations, I might give it a try today, as long as it doesn't affect the Boreal Owl banding in any way...