ML628226999

Observation details

Minimum count, probably four. All heard only except one. Playback used sparingly at points along the trail and stopped if there was a response or a Barred Owl was detected. First individual was around a mile down, and gave two barks and a whine far in the distance. Around this time I found the first Barred Owl a bit further down so that ended searching for Saw-whets for a period of time. Once resumed, heard another quiet call from far away about 0.7 miles down. Not sure if it was the same individual or not. Finally, two individuals responded to a playback and began talking to each other over two miles down the path. They gave both whine calls and one briefly gave the tooting song for a short bit. One whined very close and I thought maybe it would show but a Barred Owl interrupted them by calling so that was the end of that. Still beautiful to hear them and I was content with that. But wouldn't you know, on the way back out a Saw-whet randomly flew in towards the path, giving a few whining calls. It landed right over the path!! Light was taken off the bird upon getting a picture. I could hear the branches snap as it flew off and made its way into the woods. How incredible!! I’ve had no luck even hearing them in years past. Amazing to see one for the first time, and at night too! Did not do any playback on the way back so as not to stress any owls that already responded, so that was the last action of the night, and it was a great way to end the night! Lifer!!