“This time of year is a good time to see owls”
An Invitation to You from Carla Carlson and Niagara Nature Tours
Posted February 16, 2016 on Niagara At Large
Niagara, Ontario – Carla Carlson, the owner of Niagara Nature Tours is very excited to let people know that they will be conducting their fourth annual day time owl prowl.
“We have worked very hard to find the locations of wild owls for us to see, and are hoping to see three to four native species this year.”
A Grey Screech Owl spotted on a previous tour. Photo courtesy of Niagara Nature Tours
The owls are found from Niagara West through to Fort Erie.
For the very first Owl Prowl in 1998, we had 21 people sign up. We saw four species and seven owls in total, which is fabulous because of how secretive they are.
Since we were able to start conducting them again in 2013, at least 327 people have seen 5- 6 species and on one memorable day, 13 individual owls. In the past we have seen Eastern Screech, Northern Saw-whet, Snowy, Long-eared, Short-eared and a Great Horned Owl on her nest.
Riding in a motor coach with a washroom and comfortable seats, (really important for seniors), the group will be escorted throughout the Peninsula by Marcie Jacklin from Fort Erie, an internationally recognized local birder explaining about Niagara’s owls.
Entertaining participants with owl songs, facts, and quizzes, there are draws and owl related prizes that Carlson has collected throughout the year. There will also be a draw for four people to go to Vineland’s Owl Foundation during their annual Donor Tours in the autumn.
There will be a break for lunch at the Smokin’ Buddha and Canalside Restaurants in Port Colborne. “We are giving people a choice of which restaurant to go to as the Smokin’ Buddha is famous for its spicy, exotic food!”
Lisa and Kylie Miron cross paths with an owl in a past tour. Photo by Jean Hampson
A lot of work goes into organizing an owl prowl and many hours over months are put in ahead of time scouting for the owls, so that on the day of the Owl Prowl, there is a good chance at actual sightings. And this time of year is a good time to see the owls. The leaves are off the trees, the birds are out flying and hunting and some are sitting in nest boxes. If we are lucky we’ll see a great horned owl sitting on her nest. It’s the right time of the year as believe it or not they’ve already bred and laid their eggs.
Fun for both young and old alike, there is limited walking so it is a very accessible outing. Seniors with walkers have attended in the past, and anyone with a wheelchair accessible vehicle is welcome to follow our bus, and join us at each stop.
“In 2013” Carlson said, “we had a 91 year old grandma attend from Dundas, with her daughter and granddaughter; three generations. It was very comfortable for her and we received such a nice letter from her Grimsby grand-daughter thanking us for making it so accessible and fun.”
The fieldtrip runs from 10am to approximately 5pm. We have Snowies and Short-eared Owls which fly at dusk, so we don’t want to miss them. Short-eared Owl Status: Special Concern.
“Special Concern” means the species lives in the wild in Ontario, is not endangered or threatened, but may become threatened or endangered due to a combination of biological characteristics and identified threats. Date added to the Species at Risk in Ontario List: The Short-eared Owl was already assessed as a species of special concern when the Endangered Species Act took effect in 2008.
“Loss and alteration of habitat, especially marshes and grasslands in southern Ontario that were formerly heavily used by wintering owls constitute the primary factors affecting Short-eared Owl populations.
The disappearance of these habitats is mainly attributable to wetland drainage, urban development and increasing farm activity.”
Learn more about Owls and the stresses they face by clicking on – http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/species/speciesDetails_e.cfm?sid=60
Registration for the February 20 and 21 owl prowls have started and space is limited. We have Valentine’s Day gift certificates! For more information call 905-562-3746 or 1-888-889-8296.
You can also obtain more information about this and other Niagara Nature Tour events by clicking on the following links –
https://www.facebook.com/events/927159154005714/
www.niagaranaturetours.ca
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