Might as well sing, it's not the best time to go out for

breakfast - Birds that forage for bugs find the bugs more active and  
accessible as the day warms.  The dim predawn light also adds an  
element of danger from predatory hawks and owls.  Best find a safe  
spot, get your singing done, and go out for breakfast a little later  
when it's lighter and warmer.

Also, regarding the finding that little owls sing at dusk then quiet  
down - I've noticed this for several north American owl species as  
well.  Many owls sing for awhile just after dark, go again for awhile  
around midnight, then chime in again during the pre-dawn.

Kevin





On Aug 14, 2008, at 5:07 PM, Dan Dugan wrote:

> On NewScientist.com today:
>
> Hooting owls reveal motives of the dawn chorus
> http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn14526
>
> -Dan Dugan
>
>