Bird fanatics say owl populations are exploding in Alberta

Bird fanatics say some species of owls, which have been not often noticed in Alberta in recent times, look like the rise.

Calgary birder, Terry Korolyk, who’s a member of the group Nature Calgary, has been taking pictures of owls for about 30 years and he says this yr has been nice for recognizing the elusive creatures — like a short-eared owl of which he not too long ago received photographs.

“This species has been quite scarce in the Calgary area for quite a few years,” mentioned Korolyk.

But the species has skilled an irruption — outlined as a sudden sharp improve within the relative numbers of a pure inhabitants often related to favorable environmental circumstances.

“They’ve had a good breeding season, they’ve produced good numbers of young. and the prey is around — so irruptions are sort of a good indicator of things like that,” added Korolyk.

Edmonton birder, Hugo Sanchez, instructed Global News that he doesn’t even want to go away the town to get some nice photographs of owls.

“Near the city, in the city, this has been a great year for owls,” mentioned Sanchez.

He’s even managed to get some photographs of child owls which he mentioned doesn’t occur fairly often.

Korolyk mentioned there have been fairly just a few studies of nice gray owls west of Red Deer and within the Water Valley, west of Calgary.

He’s additionally noticed two uncommon northern hawk owls close to Spruce Meadows.

“I have never seen hawk owls in that area for 30 years so that’s a good indicator of an irruption,” added Korolyk.

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