Young Burrowing Owls Are Learning the Ways of the World!
Regina, SK – July 26th, 2021 – Saskatchewan’s Burrowing Owls are reaching an important stage in their life cycle – the young are now starting to leave the burrow and forage for themselves. The juvenile owls have been fed by their parents for many weeks, and they are now becoming more independent. If you are out and about during late July and into August, it is a great time to spot Burrowing Owls in rural Saskatchewan, but at the same time, it can also be a dangerous time for these inexperienced young owls.
Just like kids, the young Burrowing Owls have to learn the way of the world such as flying and hunting, but also must learn the way of the road. “The young owls often forage on grid roads and in ditches, where they find small invertebrates and rodents,” explains Kaytlyn Burrows, Habitat Stewardship Coordinator. “Unfortunately, many of these young owls are at risk of being struck by motorists whilst foraging along the sun-warmed roads.”
The Burrowing Owl population has been steadily declining, making the survival of each and every owl critical for the ultimate survival of the species. However, Kaytlyn Burrows says there are some things that we can do to help the juveniles survive this critical learning curve. “When motorists are driving in rural areas, particularly nearby pasture land, it’s important that they take a few extra minutes and slow down. This will reduce the risk of owl-vehicle collisions.” The owls are often found nesting in native or tame prairie that has been well grazed by cattle, as this shorter grass allows them to spot any nearby predators. They are often seen standing on or next to the burrow entrance, on nearby fence posts, or foraging in the ditches.
To identify a Burrowing Owl, there are some key features to watch for. Look for mottled brown and white feathers, white ‘eyebrows’, and long featherless legs that look like ‘stilts’. They are also small in size – Burrowing Owls are only 9 inches tall (about the size of a Meadowlark). Despite its name, the Burrowing Owl’s burrow is not dug by the owl itself; rather, they use abandoned burrows dug by badgers, ground squirrels (gophers), and other burrowing mammals.
Nature Saskatchewan has been involved with the protection and conservation of the Burrowing Owl for over 30 years, relying on the help of landowners, land managers, and the public. Operation Burrowing Owl partners with landowners across southern and central Saskatchewan to conserve habitat and monitor the Saskatchewan population through voluntary agreements. 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 on our toll-free Hoot Line, at 1-800-667-HOOT (4668) or email obo@naturesask.ca,” Burrows mentions. “You will be helping to monitor the population and aid with conservation efforts.” Information provided is never shared without permission.
Burrowing Owl Young. Photo by James Villeneuve
