BIRD WATCH: October’s owls and hummingbirds out in proper form

There are 15 species on Washington’s bird checklist. That’s a lot of owls, more than enough to go around the entire state, and that’s just what they do.

OCTOBER IS “OWL month.” They’re on many minds this month.

Most will be in the form of Halloween decorations, but some people will see or hear real live owls.

There are 15 species on Washington’s bird checklist. That’s a lot of owls, more than enough to go around the entire state, and that’s just what they do.

Several are residents over most of the state. Some are seen only on the west side, and some are only on the east side.

Others, like the snowy, great gray and Northern hawk-owl, are rare. Their visits are unpredictable at best.

A proper Halloween owl, the kind that hangs out with witches, ghosts and goblins, should have horns.

Only three owl species can be credited with wearing a proper set of “horns.”

These feathered ear tufts, which create a rather devilish look, are found on the large great horned owl, the small screech owl and, on the eastern side of the state, the long-eared owl.

The uncommon-to-rare flammulated owl can raise a pair of short, rather wimpy “horns,” but the great horned, screech and long-eared have it hands down.

When it comes to being the best Halloween owls, the great horned and the Western screech are the finalists. They are found over most of the state.

Narrowing the choice even further brings you to one conclusion: The great horned owl not only looks the part but can be seen over the entire state. They even show up when it isn’t pitch-dark outside.

Many owls are nocturnal. Others are active for part of the day. They begin their hunting early in the evening and continue into the early morning hours.

Some owls, like that visitor from the north, the snowy owl, actually hunt during the day.

Owls become more active vocally in late fall. They may be around during the summer months, but they are quiet.

In the fall, this year’s young are looking for their own territories while the adults are defending their established hunting areas.

If you’re inclined to do some owl prowling, nighttime is the best time. Lots of listening is part of the game.

Hummingbirds aren’t normally on everyone’s mind when fall arrives, but things have changed.

The increase in the numbers of wintering hummingbirds over the past few years is responsible.

Several inquiries concerning the feeding of hummingbirds came up this month.

Anna’s hummingbirds, the species that winters in the Pacific Northwest, are moving into neighborhoods where they will probably spend the cooler months. Others are showing up because certain yards offer some of the plants they are attracted to.

Readers have been asking if the birds will migrate if feeders are available. Yes, they will.

At one time, the theory presented by some was that we could stop the birds from heading south if we left our feeders out.

Hummingbirds aren’t like Canada geese. They can’t be corrupted that easily.

When the days get shorter and cooler, our little rufous has been on its way for many weeks.

When it comes to the Anna’s hummingbirds, they make their own plans to stay.

If you are seeing them in your yard, there is no reason to take the feeders in.

Hummingbirds all year round is a wonderful idea.

If they are going to stay, I’m going to feed them.

________

Joan Carson’s column appears every Sunday. Contact her at P.O. Box 532, Poulsbo, WA 98370, with a self-addressed, stamped envelope for a reply. Email: joanpcarson@comcast.net.

More in Life

Contestants for the 130rd Sequim Irrigation Festival’s royalty court include, from left, Roxy Woods, Glenna Cary, Lily Tjemsland, Malachi Byrne and Joanna Morales. The pageant will be at 6 p.m. Saturday at Sequim High School’s auditorium. (Keith Ross, Keith’s Frame of Mind)
Five candidates set for Irrigation Festival royalty

Creative displays, QA featured on Saturday

A GROWING CONCERN: Dig this dozen garden must-haves

AS WE MOVE closer to the first days of spring, and thus… Continue reading

Shay Christensen, owner of the Pink Pony Café in downtown Port Angeles, creates a designer crepe. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Port Angeles creperie using 100-year-old recipe

Business has changed hands, but taste keeps customers coming back

ISSUES OF FAITH: Remember to keep love in your hearts

IN FEBRUARY 1995, Brigham Young University hosted a Valentine’s dance with a… Continue reading

Shape Note Concert set in Port Townsend

Danny Barnes will present a Shape Note Concert at… Continue reading

GriefShare classes offered to community

Independent Bible Church will host GriefShare at 10 a.m.… Continue reading

Sunday program set for OUUF

Julia McKenna Blessing will present “All You Need is… Continue reading

Rev. Bill Evans
Speaker scheduled for Sunday service at Unity in Olympics

The Rev. William Evans will present “Beyond Love” at… Continue reading

PLAL Aritist of the Month - Ruby Beach and Destruction Island by Steve Deligan
Port Ludlow Arts League to host artist reception

The Port Ludlow Art League will host a reception… Continue reading

Photos by Katie Newton-Salmon
2024 Sequim and Port Angeles Equestrian teams got off to a great start during its first WAHSET competition, bringing home where they brought home nine first place wins. Top row from left: Katelynn Sharpe, Kennedy Gilbertson, Savanah Boulton, Celbie Karjalainen, Asha Swanberg
Bottom row left: Coach Misty Gilbertson, PA member Olivia West, Kenzie Winters, Lilly Meyer, Joanna Seelye, Taylor Lewis, Kiaja Johnson, Paisley Morris, PA member Zakara Braun, and coach Ady Crosby. Not pictured non-competing member Paige Reed and advisor Katie Newton.
HORSEPLAY: First high school equestrian event of the year for Sequim

SEQUIM HIGH SCHOOL’S equestrian team had a “great first meet,” said coach… Continue reading

Emily Matthiessen/Olympic Peninsula News Group
Sequim Ballroom intern Brie Rocha follows instructor Werner Figar’s lead as he keeps an eye on his intermediate/advanced swing class.
Dancers work on moves during classes at Sequim schoolhouse

Beginners, intermediate students learn variety of ballroom styles