Nature Saskatchewan is asking the public to give a hoot about endangered burrowing owls as fledglings take flight this summer. The young birds are learning to hunt and fly from mid-July to the end of August. Since they are often drawn to roadways due to the warmer surface attracting small insects and rodents, many burrowing owl fledglings are killed by motorists each year. Nature Saskatchewan says drivers can do their part to make sure everyone stays safe. “Motorists can help reduce the risk of owl-vehicle collisions by slowing down near known or potential nest sites and being on the lookout for low flying owls,” said Grace Pidborchynski, coordinator for Operation Burrowing Owl in a Wednesday news release. There are only about 270 burrowing owls in Canada, which makes the survival of each young bird critical for the survival of the population, according to Nature Sask. The birds stand about nine inches tall, with mottled brown and white feathers, long featherless legs, and busy white “eyebrows”. They’re often found nesting in well-grazed pastures to spot predators. They can also be found nesting in abandoned burrows, and may be seen standing on their burrow, sitting on fence posts, or foraging in nearby ditches. To help monitor the population and aid with conservation efforts, people are asked to call Nature Saskatchewan at 306-780-9833, or email obo@naturesask.ca. The organization has been involved with the cause for almost 40 years, working with landowners, land managers, and the public to make sure the birds don’t become extinct.
