Give a Hoot

Owl Calls AlisonBell5 by Earl Plato
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It was pitch dark outside. We were tented at the Split Rock Boy Scout Camp north of Ridgeway, Ontario. Back then I was the Patrol Leader of the Owl Patrol. I tried to live up to our animal moniker. I had learned to imitate bird calls from area naturalist Bert Miller. An owl hooting was one I tried to master. It was approaching midnight when the loud hooting of an owl began. I recognized it as that of a Great horned owl. It had a deep, “Hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo.” (usually six consecutive ‘hoots). I started my hoots and for over a half hour we carried on a dialogue. It seemed to be coming closer. Was I that attractive? Then my seconder directed his powerful flashlight high in a nearby maple tree and a Great horned owl’s face was revealed. A great memory.
What do you know about our owl calls? Locally we have Screech owls and little Saw whet owls in our little village of Ridgeway. Screech owls make a mournful quavering “Whe-ee-ee-cee-oh” Want to be scared? I did as a kid when I climbed up into our haymow and met a Barn owl! “It was a frightening experience. I heard “Hiss-hiss-ssshhhish!” plus unearthly screams. Other owls bark, cluck, whistle and more various screams. Owls are fascinating birds.
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Blayne Farnan of Port Colborne is our area owl expert. Paul Philp and Rick Stockton of the Bert Miller Nature Club led Nature Club members on our annual Owl Prowl on February 16th. Blayne tried to help with some locations. Not too many owls, a Short eared and a Great Horned, but till a great bird day from 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Birders usually depend on sighting a bird for recognition. I have some bird watching enthusiasts who have great listening skills. Unusual bird sounds abound in nearby marshes. At Mud Lake north of Port Colborne Blayne Farnan introduced us to the mating calls of the American bittern. That dark evening we heard its call that sounded like some one working an old water hand pump. “Cloog-ka-chook!” We were told that this call can carry over a half mile. Hear it and you’ll remember this powerful sound.
Each spring I take out my bird call tapes. Each year I try to learn some new bird calls. Nature is great enjoy it in 8!