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
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.