The Fine Line

We have hit that time in the winter again when I really struggle when it comes to certain wildlife species photography. When saw-whet owls are in our area it usually takes a couple/few months before the masses learn of their presence. Before that, some of us go look at them periodically and the owls go about their business with relatively few intrusions.

Then the time comes when so many go out to see the birds, some very frequently, and the locations are shared. One person tells another who tells even more and before long the owls are doing their best to hunt at night and during the day are being loved - possibly to death.

I don’t know where the line is between appreciation and loving to death. My intent is to appreciate the owls - even if that means I avoid joining the masses for a relatively easy saw-whet owl sighting.

Today I went back and forth on whether to see or not to see this area’s popular saw-whet owl. I first saw that one months ago, but have not seen it recently. Do I go north or go south? Either direction meant I would likely see a saw-whet owl. Did I want the easier owl or an isolated owl. As challenging as it was, I opted not to bother the well-known area bird. Instead I hiked harder, found this one that I had not seen for some time, and stopped at that. I don’t plan to visit this one again for a while. Even though saw-whet owls appear docile, they need their space and they need time away from me. I will give it that.

I am in no way trying to appear condescending or “better” or anything else. My intent is only to share my thoughts on what I see happening. Without people enjoying wildlife, how can they develop an appreciation? On the other hand, how do we appreciate without “loving to death?” I do not have that answer, but I think about it often. Where is that fine line? What is the measure of too much? What is acceptable and what isn’t. The saw-whet owls will not tell us. Do they tolerate our presence well or are they maybe not maintaining weight and health when we are around too much? I don’t know.

Based on indications in the area where I found this other owl, the owl has been isolated other than for whitetail deer, cottontail rabbits, and normal winter songbirds. With luck its solitude will continue and soon it will move north again with plenty of body fat and energy. I will continue to look for more owls and hopefully minimize my impact on all saw-whet owls wintering in our area.

Thank you all for considering our wildlife.