This is a call out to winter birders. Bird Studies Canada and the Ontario Barn Owl Recovery Program is entering the 2nd year of a wintering Short-eared Owl survey in Ontario. Once again we will be tracking all observations of Short-eared Owls and we need your help!
These owls are nothing "short" of spectacular with their distinctive and erratic moth like flight pattern. Listed as a species of Special Concern in Canada, large concentrations of these owls can be observed during the winter months in southern Ontario. Little is known about the species nor why they are declining. With your help, we hope to increase our understanding of this nomadic species. When you see a Short-eared owl in your area, please pass along these observations to Bird Studies Canada. Be sure to include: date and time of sighting, number of birds, habitat type, geographic location, and activity (hunting, roosting, perched). If you have the chance to participate in your local Christmas Bird Counts don't forget to keep track of any Short-eared owls you may come across! If you are interested in providing more than just casual sightings, we will also be looking for volunteers to monitor these owls at known roost sites on a regular (weekly) basis throughout the winter months. This information will be used to determine the number of Short-eared Owls overwintering, how long they remain in an area, and whether the birds are moving around between roost sites. For more information on how to participate, please contact Susan Debreceni ([EMAIL PROTECTED]; 1-888-448-2473 ext. 222) Happy Holidays, Susan Debreceni ************************** Susan Debreceni Volunteer Projects Research Assistant Bird Studies Canada / Études d'Oiseaux Canada P.O. Box 160, Port Rowan, ON Canada N0E 1M0 Phone: (519) 586-3531 ext: 222 Toll Free: 1-888-448-BIRD E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web: http://www.bsc-eoc.org/bscmain.html **************************
