Who, Who, Who Will Survive?

Is it good policy to kill this owl

in order to save this owl?

Federal policy may be in place later this year that will permit the killing of Barred Owls in order to save the endangered Northern Spotted Owl. A similar policy over the last generation has effectively killed the logging industry in the Northwest. Now current research shows that human modification of the landscape is encouraging the westward migration of the Barred Owl. Given its large size, it has no problem overtaking the habitat of the native species. Interbreeding is underway as well. The new hybrid is referred to as the "Botted" or "Sparred" Owl. 

Some folks say that wildlife management in just about any form is playing God. OTR believes, as with most of life's doings, it is a matter of scale where degrees of success are inversely proportional to the size of the project. That said, the Spotted Owl  project comes into focus as a huge task that raises many questions. We know Mother Nature is a cruel mother. Would she condemn an invasive species? Would she think it folly to stop a natural process? And though our religion may give us dominion over the planet, here we must choose between two beautiful species. What to do? As with all good intentions, these policy decisions will be painful.

Interestingly, OTR had a close encounter with a Barred Owl at sunset yesterday. Huge, silent, almost regal, the visitor spent several minutes perched about forty feet from the patio. This splendid but rather common resident of his woods brought him wonder usually reserved for childhood. Some may say OTR doesn't get out much. Some may laugh. They do so only because they dwell in the Great Illusion.


N.B. OTR may soon start an Adopt-An-Owl program.