After migrating thousands of kilometres from the American Southwest and Mexico, Burrowing Owls have returned to Saskatchewan’s prairies, settling in for another critical breeding season.
The endangered birds are now pairing up and choosing nesting sites, a process that experts say is vital to the species’ survival in Canada, where as few as 270 breeding pairs are thought to remain.
Unlike most owls, Burrowing Owls live underground, relying on abandoned dens created by badgers and ground squirrels. While their habitat needs are relatively broad, they prefer open grasslands with short, sparse vegetation that allows them to spot predators and hunt effectively.
Grace Pidborchynski, Habitat Stewardship Coordinator with Nature Saskatchewan, says the owls are sometimes drawn to croplands and roadsides in early spring due to the visibility these areas offer. “If there are burrows available, it’s possible that it could be used by Burrowing Owls,” she said. “So make sure to keep your eyes peeled and you might be lucky enough to spot one!”
Females typically lay six to 12 eggs per nest, with nine being the average. Each successful brood plays an important role in efforts to reverse the species' decline.
Signs of active burrows include white droppings at the entrance and regurgitated pellets made up of fur, bones and insect shells. While spotting an owl may be a rare treat, the benefits of having one nearby are considerable—each family can consume up to 7,000 grasshoppers and 1,800 small mammals in a single summer.
Pidborchynski credits Saskatchewan farmers, ranchers and rural landowners for playing a key role in owl recovery through voluntary conservation. She encourages residents to report any sightings to Nature Saskatchewan’s Operation Burrowing Owl by calling 306-780-9833 or emailing obo@naturesask.ca. Sightings help researchers monitor distribution and population trends, and personal information is kept confidential.
“This little owl is unlike any other,” Pidborchynski said. “With help from the public, we can ensure it continues to have a home on the prairies for generations to come.”