Re: Query re Barking Owl calls

Paul wrote "Two nights ago I heard a Barking Owl doing it's screaming woman call.  This 
was answered by a cricket-like 'chirp' similar to a dependent Boobook's 
call.

Books that I have referred to do mention chattering calls for Barking Owls - 
is this 'chirp' restricted to dependent young like in Boobooks or do all 
Barking Owls make this call?  Is this sufficient evidence of breeding 
activity in the area?" 

I've asked our resident owl expert here (Todd Soderquist) and his response is that he is not aware of any Barking Owl call that could be described as a cricket-like "chirp".  The closest he can get is a call they give that is not quite a bark but this couldn't be described as a "chirp".  He suggested that the call may well be a response from a possum to the screaming call.  Possums often respond to owl calls.

Possibly not the answer Paul was looking for but ...

Cheers

David Geering
Regent Honeyeater Recovery Coordinator
Department of Environment & Conservation
P.O. Box 2111
Dubbo  NSW  2830
Ph: 02 6883 5335 or Freecall 1800 621 056
Fax: 02 6884 9382



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