Snowy owls soaring across southern Alberta skies
'Very exotic appearance compared to regular owls,’ says bird expert
The snowy owl is an iconic bird of prey known for its bright white plumage, but spotting one in the wild is a rare treat.
For those hoping to catch a glimpse in southern Alberta, a local bird expert says right now is an excellent time to see them in the Calgary area.
"Usually you start seeing them arrive in November and then they start leaving in February," said Colin Weir, managing director and co-founder of the Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation in Coaldale, Alta.
He noted it varies from year to year, depending on when winter starts and when it ends.
According to Weir, the local landscape has a good mixture of the conditions snowy owls prefer when making their yearly visit.
"They migrate down from the Arctic and they prefer areas that are flat and open, just like their Arctic tundra home. So basically east of Highway 2 out on the prairies."
The owls search for flat grassland prairie areas that are far from vehicle traffic. He says this terrain provides the birds with a sense of security as well as a healthy, untapped food supply, inviting more owls to stay during the cold winter months.
"There's probably several hundred, and they're just scattered over a fairly large area," Weir told CBC Radio's the Calgary Eyeopener on Wednesday.
The number of snowy owls in any given location depends entirely on the availability of prey, says Weir, adding that much of their activity involves searching for food.
"I always say the gold standard for health for these birds are always mice. So that's their main source of food. They can also eat things like pheasants, rabbits … ducks if they're available."
Snowy owl sightings
He believes the unique appearance of the snowy owl is captivating for people, adding they have a "very exotic appearance compared to regular owls that we see throughout the year."
Weir says Beiseker and Strathmore have been hot spots for migration this season.
Calgarians might be able to sight some snowy owls just east of the city off of Highway 2 in the grasslands near the Calgary International Airport.
"Start heading east as soon as you start seeing a flat, open, cultivated farmland — or, even better than that, open grassland prairie areas. Those are sort of the prime areas to travel to and … spot them."
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