Have found my bird feeder friends are just as afraid of a N Shrike, as they are a Sharp-shinned Hawk. Maybe even moreso. As, even the BC Chickadees are more wary when the Shrike is around, than they are of a Sharpie. N Shrike appeared this last week & seems to prefer DE Juncos. But, can sure create havoc at the feeder when flies through!
I attended a very helpful, informative lecture by Robert Miller (Intermountain Bird Observatory) last fall on owl diversity and conservation in Idaho. He discussed the overwhelming invasion by Barred Owls in our state, and what is being done to eliminate that problem. I think it’s quite possible, Rich, that it’s the cause of the problem you mentioned.
But I’m still hopeful some Pygmy Owls will be seen in previously known sites, and that info will be noted on the IBLE site.
All, Over the last several years I have seen and heard calls of NOPO’s at our place in the hills just NE of Cascade. Until about 2 springs ago, and it seems their presence is now nil. The reliable habitat where I’ve encountered them over the years is near or upon prominent boulder outcrops, atop elevated topography. Sadly they seem absent for now, I will keep an eye and ear out for them, especially this coming spring. The nest box I placed there while they were actively present, near one of the boulder outcrops has not been used. I did document these sightings on eBird.
Keeping my fingers crossed this spring, for more activity?
Could their recent absence be due to the barred owl that seems to have recently taken up residence there, or the great horned I have documented there for 10+ years?
It’s funny you should ask! I’ve seen two northern pygmy owls in southeast Idaho in the last week. A new record for me too! I saw them on two separate Christmas bird counts.
Has anyone noticed an increase in the number of Northern Pygmy Owls this month? I was doing the Sandpoint North January raptor survey and saw 3, miles apart from each other. I rarely see one annually so three was quite the surprise.
Very glad to hear the results of your survey, nice numbers and species diversity! I appreciate you generating enthusiasm for others to report their findings, a few have responded so far. It is a great way to share experiences amongst the volunteer group and a nice way to advertise the project, might help with me recruiting volunteers in the future :). Thank you Cheryl 🙂
Jeff
Home of Idaho Birding and the Idaho Bird Records Committee
