cryptic-coloured predators, even though Fish Creek provincial park, Griffith Woods they move on, mostly eastward, sometimes
they have walked by them many times. No park or the Weaselhead Natural Area. as far as Newfoundland, and into the
doubt, though, the owl has seen them. Most American Robins migrate to the northern United States. In late March,
Snowy Owls mostly breed in the southern U.S. for the winter, so it may come when they return to their breeding grounds,
high Arctic Islands where they feed on as a surprise to find a few that have stayed they may appear briefly in sizeable flocks of
lemmings. Approximately every four years behind. They survive by feeding on the fruit 5,000 or more birds. However, some years,
the lemming population collapses, forcing of crab-apples, choke cherries, European as last year, they may bypass us altogether.
these large owls to come south, arriving Mountain-Ash, and the odd invertebrate at While you may find many of these
here in early November. While some can be the edges of streams. Look for them mostly species on your own, you are invited to join
seen in the city, perhaps perched on a TV in back yards and in the valleys of the Bow the free outings led by members of Nature
antenna, most are found in the grasslands and Elbow rivers and Fish Creek. Calgary. For a schedule of Calgary outings,
on the eastern side of the city and beyond. They arrive in flocks of thousands, often see: www.naturecalgary@cfns.fanweb.ca
Look for these large white birds on top of feeding in European Mountain Ash trees. . The Friend of Fish Creek provincial park
utility poles, fence posts, hay bales or on or One group was estimated to contain Society also conducts birding courses.
beside mounds of soil or stones. 20,000 individuals. Their tails are tipped Contact www.friendsoffishcreek.org or
One of our smallest nocturnal predators with a band of bright yellow and males have phone (403) 238-3841.
is the charming Northern Saw-whet Owl, red wax-like growths on the wing feathers. Gus Yaki says he was born a naturalist.
only 17 centimetres (seven inches) long. By While these attractive, crested birds can He claims that when his mother first saw
day, they tend to roost in or near coniferous be seen throughout the city, they are most him, he had a short pencil and a small
forest stands. They feed mainly on small abundant along the Elbow River, especially piece of paper in his hand, containing the
rodents so if there are a lot of these around, in the Rideau/Roxboro area. symbols he had produced for the names of
these diminutive owls are also present. Bohemian Waxwings’ numbers are 14 species of birds he had heard while in the
If you have a bird feeder, which tends to largest when they first arrive here. As the womb. Birds, and nature in general, have
concentrate small rodents, they may even winter wears on, the population declines been a fascination for him ever since. The
be in your back yard. Otherwise, look for due to predation, accident, starvation, etc. Calgary resident is active in many nature
them in our wooded parks, such as Carburn, Some years, when the berry crop is poor, and conservation organizations.
«CO
Great Horned Owl
36 CALGARY >> WINTER 2008/2009 www.CalgaryOutdoors.ca
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