Well, we are certainly an open, sharing and communicating internet family, aren't we. My goodness.
After sufficient feedback on my use of the term "owl ball" which is what the Oklahoma University community at least one time called them back in the 70's, I absorbed the prolific information I received from feedback responses and did a little research to look into what exactly is that thing that owl's up-chuck is called. I won't go into all the details of what it is and why, and when and all the research done on them, where to acquire them for instructional purposes, etc., etc., etc.. And I might add there is a lot out there on those subjects. Let me get to my point. It appears that there are a number of terms to describe the furry or feathery mass that owl's up-chuck (please allow me the use of this term rather than"regurgitation" as I am attempting to be "light"). The term - Most common by far is "owl pellet". Never, I repeat, never, are they called "owl balls". Never - except in Oklahoma in the 70's - but that is another story altogether. Some respondents offered "castings" - an accurate and acceptable term but would likely not land the direct punch of "owl pellet" to the birding, scientific, or retail communities - at least the internet ones. The term "bezoar" was by far the most interesting offering and my research indicates that this term more commonly applies to material that remains in the digestive tract rather than being rendered to ground. Still, I think if that is what everyone in your area knows the "pellets" as, it works for me and apparently for you - plus it is definitely "local color" which paints the uniqueness of our worlds. From all of this I am again amazed at the awkwardness of the American form of the English language. My recent marriage and frequent communications with my step-15 and 18 year old daughters and wife have shown me that if the goal is communication, surrendering to exacting terms and language is best served to simply allow the other to get your point. What one calls a tree another can call a conifer or a plant or a fir or a trunk - especially in the context of what caused the crumpled fender and hood to my borrowed car. Context is vital in effective communication. To put a majority of the respondents to my posting at ease and expressing my appreciation and gratitude to your loving feedback, allow me to rephrase my self: "My friendly neighborhood Barred Owl dropped an owl pellet yesterday." Another learning opportunity. Note to self. And thank you for the lessons. I love this community! Thomas Maiello Angel Environmental Management, Inc. Maple Grove, MN
