I got this information from Dave Palmquist, the naturalist at Whitewater SP.
In summary, no sightings for over 3 weeks. They will let us know if they see it again. They would prefer to NOT have folks lurking after midnight. For non-campers the park closes at 10p.m. Joel Dunnette -----Original Message----- From: Dave Palmquist [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2006 3:24 PM To: [email protected] Cc: Garry Barvels; Jerry Bachman Subject: Re: FW: [mnbird] Possible Barn Owl Whitewater State Park Joel, The probable sightings, I'd say 95% chance, were at 2a.m. on Saturdays May 13 and 20. They were made by our new night security person Ken. He is a taxidermist and quite knowledgeable about wildlife. But, he did not know the significance of these sightings when he told me of them two weeks after the most recent sighting. Both nights he saw the bird perched on the LP tank at the park shop. After talking with him about the sightings, I showed him pictures of native owls to be sure. He is positive that he saw a barn owl both nights. Since then, even though I encouraged him to look there with greater frequency, he has not seen the bird. I checked the buildings in our shop complex for any possible nest, but found none. At this time there is no reason to look for the owl as it hasn't been seen for over three weeks. In addition, we do not want groups of people wandering the park in the middle of the night. (For non-campers the park closes at 10p.m.) Night security staff will check the shop area multiple time each night. I will check after every evening program. If it is seen it again, I will let you know right away. At this time please discourage people from coming to try and see the bird. Thanks! Call if you have questions. Dave P. >>> "Joel Dunnette" <[email protected]> 6/15/2006 2:28 PM >>> Dave, The Barn Owl would be a life bird for me and many others. Can you tell me details of where the bird has been seen? Is it in a place that numerous birders could come to see it? Joel Dunnette _____ From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Greiner, Carl W. Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2006 9:18 AM To: [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: [mnbird] Possible Barn Owl Whitewater State Park Hi All, While on the commute this a.m. I was listening to the radio and the naturalist from Whitewater State Park said that they had seen a Barn Owl the last 2 Saturdays (at 1:30 a.m. both times). He said the observer was experienced and sure. That's all I know. Thanks, Carl Greiner Research and Development Human Cellular Therapy Laboratory Mayo Clinic, Hilton 2-77 200 First Street S.W. Rochester, MN. 55905 (507) 538-1997 -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.8.4/364 - Release Date: 6/14/2006 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.8.4/364 - Release Date: 6/14/2006 -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.8.4/364 - Release Date: 6/14/2006 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.8.4/364 - Release Date: 6/14/2006
