A wildlife rehabilitation centre has seen a significant rise in the intake of a rarely-seen owl species.
The Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC) has taken in three boreal owls since November last year, prompting concern over the unprecedented spike in hospitalization of this elusive bird species — only one had been admitted in the 10 years prior.
"Boreal owls prefer habitat in remote mountain or boreal forests, but all of the recent intakes of this species were discovered in or near Calgary," said Scottie Potter, AIWC communications coordinator.
The sudden spike of boreal owls in the Calgary area is part of an irruption of owl species not typically seen in urban areas, including great gray owls and northern hawk owls.
The irruption, a phenomenon that has brought these birds from remote locations to more developed areas in search of prey, puts animals that are accustomed to living far from people at risk of human conflict.
"When these owls travel into areas with higher human density, they are put at risk by human-made obstacles including vehicles and windows," said Potter.
AIWC is currently caring for a boreal owl (pictured) suffering from a broken clavicle, or collarbone, which it likely got after a window collision, she said.
"Albertans can make properties safer for owl visitors by applying collision tape to windows. These large decals are one of the most effective ways at helping birds avoid window collisions," said Potter, adding that collision tape is available for purchase at the AIWC shop.
"The public can also reduce impacts on owls of all species by reducing speeds on rural or forested roads, especially at night."
While boreal owls are rare patients, the centre regularly takes in other owl species, particularly great horned owls.
Great horned owls are highly susceptible to injury caused by human conflict, in particular vehicle collisions — which make up approximately 30 per cent of causes for owls coming into care — and coming into contact with barbed wire fences.
The AIWC rehabilitation facility, located on 40 acres in Madden, takes in a wide variety of wild animals throughout the year, including bobcat kittens, bear cubs, deer fawns and young hawks.
If an injured owl or other animal is found and suspected to be need of help, call AIWC’s Wildlife Hotline at 403-246-2361.
