Nature Saskatchewan is urging motorists across the province to keep an eye out for young Burrowing Owls this month, as fledglings begin venturing from their nests to learn how to hunt and fly.
The organization says mid-July is a key milestone in the species’ life cycle, when juvenile owls leave the care of their parents to explore nearby burrows and test their hunting skills. Many young owls forage in roadside ditches and can easily (and dangerously) learn to prefer roadside hunting locations.
“At dusk, the road surface tends to be warmer than the surrounding area, attracting many small insects and rodents,” said Grace Pidborchynski, Habitat Stewardship Coordinator with Nature Saskatchewan.
“As a result, young owls are also attracted to the road and ditch when they begin searching for food.”
Motorists can play a role in protecting these endangered birds by slowing down in rural areas near pastures and open land, where Burrowing Owls are known to nest.
“When driving in rural areas, particularly nearby pasture land, it is important to take a few extra minutes and slow down,” Pidborchynski said. “This will reduce the risk of owl-vehicle collisions.”
The Saskatchewan Burrowing Owl population, as well as the overall population on the North American Prairies, remains small and vulnerable. These birds stand just nine inches tall — roughly the size of a Meadowlark — and can often be seen perched near burrow entrances, on fence posts, or foraging at ground level.
Anyone lucky enough to spot one is encouraged to report the sighting to Nature Saskatchewan’s Operation Burrowing Owl program by calling 1-800-667-HOOT (4668) or emailing obo@naturesask.ca. Sightings are confidential and staff say such calls are a huge contribution to monitoring efforts across the province.
In Moose Jaw, residents can learn more about these unique birds — and maybe even glimpse some young owlets — at the Saskatchewan Burrowing Owl Interpretive Centre (SBOIC). Several chicks have recently hatched at the Centre, and summer student Sydney Blume-Head noted that visitors might spot them beginning to peek out of their burrows.
“They’re just at the age where they’re starting to peek out of their burrows,” Blume-Head said.
“So when people come to visit, if they’re lucky, they might be able to spot them just looking out of their little holes for now.”
Some of the young owls at SBOIC are also being hand-raised as future Ambassador Owls — birds that will help educate the public about the species’ story and plight by visiting schools and community events.
The Interpretive Centre, located at 250 Thatcher Drive East on the grounds of the Moose Jaw Exhibition Company, is open for visitors by donation. More information is available at skburrowingowl.ca.
Resources for spotting and identifying Burrowing Owls can be found at naturesask.ca.