Owl family drawing attention in Victoria park
A family of great horned owls is nesting in a open area in Beacon Hill Park.
The raptors are common in the region, but they usually nest in dense, forested areas, making it difficult for people to see them.
The parents were spotted in January in the garry oak meadow along Bridge Way, and the first of the two owlets was seen about 10 days ago by the birding community.
The area surrounding the feathered family’s nest has been taped off, and warning signs asking people not to disturb the wildlife and to keep dogs away have also been put in place.
“These guys are doing pretty well, it seems, here, but they are obviously aware of our presence and especially our pets,” said Ann Nightingale, a volunteer at Rocky Point Bird Observatory.
“Nobody told the great horned owl about leashes and how they work, so they see a lot of foxes and wolves coming through this area, which may affect their behaviour.”
Nightingale said the owlets are now taking short flights, but their flight-feathers haven’t grown in yet. That means they may end up on the ground, which is all part of their upbringing. The parents will take care of the owlets and get them back in the trees, so there is no need to “save” the chicks.
The long-time volunteer with the observatory points out that the owlets are vulnerable to ravens or other raptors, and the attention they are receiving from the crowds of people heading into the park to have a look could be putting the younglings at risk.
“A raven might not have noticed them, but they see all these people gathered around and go, 'Hmmm, I wonder if there is anything to eat there,'” said Nightingale.
She suggests that people not linger too long observing the birds, remain quiet and not to get too close.
Great horned owls will care for their chicks for months. Even once they are fully feathered, the chicks will call to their parents for food that will be delivered up into the fall.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Toronto police seek suspect vehicle after security guard shot outside Drake's mansion
Toronto police are seeking help from the public as they continue to investigate a shooting that seriously injured a security guard outside rapper Drake's mansion.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.