Just a few quick comments, as I have just returned from traveling and have not had time to review this thread carefully:     --In my experiences with Long-eared and Great Horned Owls in Maine, Quebec, and upstate New York, I found that both species can vary their calls somewhat from one season to another   --Yes, Long-eareds do sometimes utter a single isolated 'hoot'   --The long-eared call is often more nasal than any Great Horned or Barred   --Long-eareds will roost in almost any type of coniferous or mixed forest, depending upon their particular requirements and the season   --Juveniles are always a possibility with any 'funny' owl call
I realize this may confuse the issue rather than helping :)
Jim GibsonSilver Spring, MD


> Date: Thu, 23 Sep 2010 15:25:25 -0400
> From: 
> Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Single hoot
> To: 
> 
> Frank, 
> 
> This is VERY similar to my experience - but in each case the single hoot was not repeated - just once.   
> 
> Someone suggested it might be a juvenile, just trying out their voice.  Sounded reasonable to me - but then again, I don't know at all.   
> 
> Anyone else? 
> 
> Joanne
> 
> 
> Joanne Howl, DVM
> 
> West River, MD
> 
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Frank Marenghi <>
> To: 
> Sent: Thu, Sep 23, 2010 12:27 pm
> Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Single hoot
> 
> 
>  
> manda and I also heard a single hoot from an owl while camping at Tuckahoe SP a 
> ouple of weeks ago. We heard Barred at a different spot in the park around 
> usk. The single hoot came in the middle of the night and was not the typical 
> all of any of the owls.  It was quite close and only making the one note, not a 
> istant muffled sound, and not downslurred. It was not a Barred. I considered 
> ong-eared as well but it was giving one note every 2 - 4 minutes not every 2 - 
>  seconds like the typical Long-eared call. It sounded like a Great Horned to me 
> ut it was only doing the first long hoot of the typical series "hoo hoo hoo 
> OOT hoot." It was somewhat drawn out (lasted about 1 full second). I had never 
> eard this vocalization even though I did owl surveys for a few years as an 
> ndergrad and then as an Audubon volunteer. These were all in the winter / 
> pring, however. I wonder if Great Horned gives a different or abbreviated call 
> n late summer / fall? Not sure if Long-eared ever gives a single hoot? Habitat 
> as mixed deciduous / coniferous with adjacent open areas which would be fine 
> or Great Horned. 
> 
> heers,
> 
> rank Marenghi
> nnapolis, MD
> 
> 
>                      =