There are a record number of Barred Owls in Presqu'ile at the moment. Eleven birds were tallied on the Christmas Bird Count on the weekend.
It has also been brought to my attention that some photographers are "baiting" the owls with live mice in order to get better pictures. The ethics of this have been debated in the past and I don't intend to do so again. However as a Provincial Park we do have some different rules governing our land base and while I am not an enforcement officer I have made some enquiries regarding the legality of this practice. I offer the following as food for thought. It is illegal to: - feed wildlife in the park without written permission from the superintendent - leave animal attractants out in the park - capture and hold native species of mice In addition If the mice are store-bought and are being used in this way there is potential for charges under the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. It is also illegal to harass wildlife which might occur if someone was continuously flushing an owl to try and get a picture. I certainly want people to come into the park and enjoy the chance to see and take pictures of owls and other wildlife but I also want people to do so in a responsible manner. Please be respectful of the park, its environment and its wildlife. Thank You David David Bree Natural Heritage Education (NHE) Leader Presqu'ile Provincial Park 328 Presqu'ile Parkway Brighton, ON K0K 1H0 Tel: (613) 475-4324 ext. 225 Fax: (613) 475-2209 _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
