Burrowing owls return to Saskatchewan

By Your Southwest Media Group

REGINA – With spring fieldwork underway, Nature Saskatchewan is asking farmers and the public to watch for the return of the endangered burrowing owl.

The owls have come back from their wintering grounds in southern Texas and Mexico to nest across the prairies. Breeding season is well underway, with pairs selecting nest sites and preparing to lay and incubate eggs.

Back from Texas. A burrowing owl perches on a weathered post against a clear prairie sky, one of an estimated 270 breeding pairs left in Canada. The endangered birds have returned to Saskatchewan to nest, and Nature Saskatchewan is asking farmers and the public to watch for them this spring. PHOTO BY MAY HAGA

Despite the name, burrowing owls do not dig their own burrows. They use abandoned holes dug by ground squirrels, badgers and other burrowing mammals. Females lay six to 12 eggs each spring, with nine the average. With as few as 270 breeding owls thought to remain in Canada, every nest matters to the species' survival.

Burrowing owls once nested in open grassland. As the landscape changed, they adapted to cultivated fields and roadsides, where they often find a suitable burrow in spring.

"Agricultural fields, particularly in the spring when the fields are newly plowed and before crops grow tall, can draw owls in since they like short vegetation to detect and capture prey," said Grace Pidborchynski, habitat stewardship coordinator at Nature Saskatchewan.

Ditches can also work as foraging and nesting areas, since their mix of vegetation attracts the small mammals and insects the owls eat.

"Many producers across Saskatchewan keep an eye out for these small owls in the spring as they return to pastures and cultivated fields throughout the province. However, we can never have too many people watching for the owls," Pidborchynski said.

Nearly 350 landowners across southern Saskatchewan take part in the organization's Operation Burrowing Owl, which helps conserve grassland for the owl and other prairie species. Participants watch for the birds in spring while continuing regular land management, including grazing, which keeps grass short and benefits the owls.

Nature Saskatchewan records sightings to track distribution and population trends across the province.

"Without the voluntary efforts of ranchers, farmers and the general public, recovery of this unique little owl would not be possible," Pidborchynski said.

The public can report a burrowing owl sighting by calling 306-780-9833 or emailing obo@naturesask.ca. Personal information is kept confidential and never shared without permission.