Found dead in Middlesex by the roadside a rather large female BARRED OWL
that appeared to be in good health before her unfortunate collision with a
vehicle.
In regards to reportin dead birds, any birds found as road kills or dead by
other means, particularly those that are less common are very valuable to
report to this list or the others.  They still were found (dead or alive) in
the a particular place and a particular time.  The more we know that
information the more we can protect birds and their habitats.
Case in point: I had a casual conversation with a neighbor a few years ago
about a Long-eared owl that he had spotted just a day before.  He had found
it while riding his bike and had not reported it because he did not think
anyone would be interested.  I asked if he would show me where he saw the
bird and it was indeed a LEOwl in what I considered an unusual place.
Another example: Many of you may remember the astouding number of Barred
Owls that were being found by the roadside  about 4-5 years ago, especially
in Chittenden County.  You don't remember?  That is probably because they
were under reported by a factor of 90% (my subjective experience, not real
data).  I had one reliable source tell me she had found 5 Barred Owls by the
road that year within one month in the same county.
Just a reminder to all of us, including myself!
Jeffrey Allen
Montpelier, Vermont