Years ago, when this column and I were young, I wrote about owls. (OK, the column was young. I was just younger.) Anyway, it was one of my favorites because, no surprise, I love owls and also because, while writing it, I discovered what was to turn out to be one of my favorite sites, one which I've included again here (first) along with several other owl-friendly sites and a couple of resource pages.
• www.owlcam.com. The page begins with this warm greeting: "Welcome Owl Fans -- You are cordially invited to share in the adventures of a pair ofNorthern Barred Owls." The site does exactly that, shares the adventures (and misadventures) of Ward and June and the 11 offspring they raised successfully. So that you won't be devastated (as I was), I will warn you that after seven seasons together in their owl mansion in Massachusetts, Ward did not return this year and after June's calls and searches went unanswered, she also disappeared from the scene, probably finding a new mate in another location. Still, there are photos, box cam stills, calls, cries and commotions all recorded live inside the nesting box. It's simply amazing. There are also instructions on how to build a similar owl house if you live in a likely habitat.
• www.owlpages.com. This is one of the best resource sites I've found on any topic. It's all worth exploring (even the part about owl pellets) but before you're done please visit the "What you can do to help" page. No, it isn't a plea for you to join an ecological society or to protest the ever shrinking owl habitat -- this is an honest request for your help in making the site better. Yes, you can donate (and yes, I did make a small contribution through PayPal) but the list also includes choices that don't require much more than a minute of your time. I was particularly impressed with the request for proofreading -- I love recommending sites that want to know if there's an error so it can be corrected.
• www.rci.rutgers.edu/~au/owl.htm. Another solid resource for information and reference materials about these magnificent birds -- from the huge gray owl to the tiny pygmy-owl. You'll find photos, drawings, descriptions and habitat guides plus much more.
• www.owling.com. According to this site, "Owling.com is a look at the North and Central American owls with both biology and multimedia sections to help with the identification, enjoyment, and appreciation of these awesome winged predators." The site also claims to be the largest in the United States totally dedicated to owls. From my explorations, I'd say both statements are true. One thing they don't say (but should) is that you'll find some truly stunning photographs included on the individual species pages. Some of the snowy owl pictures are especially breathtaking.
• www.ninepipescenter.org/idguide.html. Even though this appears to be a fairly limited resource, it's actually filled to the gills (or should I say feathers) with first-rate facts and details about owls. This guide covers the 20 breeding species that might be encountered in the United States and Canada. Although some of the photographs are a bit disappointing, the specific data and details about each will surprise you. And this is really a must-explore site if you are trying to encourage owls to nest in your area.
Jan Perry is a Kentucky-based freelance writer for The Post. She welcomes your emails with ideas or suggestions. Please send them to: SiteSeer2K@aol.com.
