Northern Hawk Owl

[Alton Thygerson <thygerson at byu dot edu>]

March 4, 2004

A lesson known by birders pursuing target birds is:  "Nothing ventured,
nothing gained."  Birders soon learn that they won't see a targeted bird
unless they go and look.  Enough of the philosophy based upon experience!

After reporting last week's failure of seeing the Northern Hawk Owl (NHO) in
Ketcham, Idaho due to a snow storm and poor road conditions in Utah, another
effort was made today.  Initially, while driving on I-15 along the Wasatch
Front, we faced discouraging road and weather conditions.

Nevertheless, Reed Stone, his brother Kay, Merrill Webb, and I relentlessly
traveled northward.  The weather cleared, the sun shone, and the roads were
dry.  

We had no problem in locating and observing the owl.  This is largely due to
those posting directions (Pomera Fronce), those sending information (Glenn
Barlow), and most importantly the local Ketcham resident who found and
reported the owl (Poo Wright).

The Northern Hawk Owl was a lifer for all of us.  Merrill has seen all of
the North American owls except for the Boreal.  No doubt, he'll get to add
that one to his list in the not to distant future.

The NHO is distinctive and well worth the trip for the serious birder.
You'll save a trip to Canada by going to Idaho if you want to add this
species to your life list.

Alton Thygerson 

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