Marshall, 1947 Otus scops Jan 21 Whitaker's Ford Tulare Co., Cal. change to whistle & poop -- whistle & fly closer then voice would get harsh & breathy & would come in steps down into the little cedar tree until within 3'. I could see the bill was closed when it hooted & that the throat puffed out greatly at each note - also the tail very slightly raised each note. The 2nd would often join us, then the 1st would get still more breathy - both might stop calling & they would fly at each other chasing from twig to twig, a real little contest. However the 2nd would always eventually be chased away & he would resume hooting single clear notes from higher trees. Jan 28 Drive from Grizzly 50 to River ton above Placerville. Then up a dirt road to Beaver Ridge to see virgin pine forest. On flat gad on top of ridge, or gently sloping N-facing areas were the most magnificent stands of sugar pine I've ever seen. Often 8' diam very tall. With giant