Owl Hooting Competition

[uarobert]

Last year, I watched the video from the GNCC owl hooting and I'm watching it again this year.
My question is: Why do every one of them start their set with what seems, to me, to be a wood duck call?
Maybe this is imitating some owl sound I've just never heard, but why does every one of them do it?

[ccleroy]

You've never heard an owl "scream"?

[Greg Massey]

A owl screaming will raise the hair on the back of your neck...

[land cruiser]

Is there a link to the video? Thanks!

[uarobert]

 I've heard hooting, catterwauling, young barred owls screaching , just a sound I'd make with a woody call. I'm sure that they make it and I've never heard it, but I just wonder why almost EVERY competitor starts his run with that.

[Mbhyman88]

I was wondering the same thing.  I've guess I've never heard an owl scream either.