REGINA — Following a spring of finding a mate and tending to eggs, the prairies have come alive with a new crop of young birds. Among these are the endangered burrowing owl.
From mid-July to the end of August, burrowing owl young are learning to hunt and fly. They are often drawn to roadways because the road surface tends to be warmer than surrounding grasslands, attracting many small insects and rodents.
“Motorists can help reduce the risk of owl-vehicle collisions by slowing down near known or potential nest sites and being on the lookout for low-flying owls,” says Grace Pidborchynski, co-ordinator for Operation Burrowing Owl at Nature Saskatchewan.
Burrowing owls are about nine inches tall, with mottled brown and white feathers, bushy white ‘eyebrows’ and long featherless legs. They are often found nesting in pastures that has been well grazed, as the short grass allows them to easily spot predators. Burrowing owls nest in abandoned burrows excavated by badgers, ground squirrels, or other burrowing mammals, and may be seen standing on their burrow, sitting on nearby fence posts, or foraging in the ditches.
Many young burrowing owls are killed by motorists each year while foraging along the road.
There is an estimated population of 270 breeding owls in Canada, making the survival of each juvenile critical for the survival and growth of the population, says Nature Saskatchewan.
Nature Saskatchewan has been involved with the protection and conservation of the burrowing owl for close to 40 years, but its success would not be possible without the help of landowners, land managers, and the public. Operation burrowing owl works with landowners across southern and central Saskatchewan and uses voluntary agreements to preserve the rapidly disappearing habitat that the species needs. The program works alongside landowner practices, and the land continues to be used in a way that benefits the landowner.
“If you see a burrowing owl, please give us a call at 306-780-9833, or email obo@naturesask.ca,” Pidborchynski mentions.
“You will be helping to monitor the population and aid with conservation efforts.”
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— Submitted by Nature Saskatchewan
