Winter owling is upon us

January 8, 2014 · 0 Comments

Winter is upon us and with it comes owls. Searching for food. Because their food has been depleted where they live. They arrive in numbers, hungry, emaciated, some in need of help. I am hearing of the arrival of a beautiful big white owl from way up north in the open tundra where they nest on the ground. Snowy owls.

They are already arriving in the wildlife rehabilitation centers due to emaciation. (Starving, thin).At least 40 have already died from either getting hit by cars or starved to death. Mostly immature owls. By now that number has surely changed to more.

These owls and other owls as well need to hunt on their own. Of course if you see an owl on the ground unable to fly looking thin or injured. You need to get it to help asap. Check info at the end of this article. They are incredible birds of prey and some of the foods they eat are voles, mice and rabbits. They are silent hunters. Sitting on a branch on the edge of a field watching, listening.

They have incredible eye sight and hearing. But of course, there are people out there that “need” that shot no matter what. Almost like the shot is more important that the life itself. Following or harassing the owls as they arrive. This baiting or feeding is not illegal here. Apparently it is okay to do so. But what I have seen happen with this “baiting “ technique is owls that become dependent on humans for food, who get hit by passing cars, who are being fed store bought mice meant for some bodies pet. These are (not native species). These mice are not meant to go free to mingle with our “native” species. They are invasive. They are not the owl’s regular food. They are for some ones little boy or girl to play with and have a sweet little pet. Do they have feelings, yes, do they feel fear, yes. What do you think it is like for these wee animals to suddenly go from a nice warm environment to being set free in the frigid cold/snow and all of a sudden, silently from above, this little life is taken? I call that animal cruelty as do many people I know. (I am not alone with my feelings here). Only my opinion as I know people will be on the outs for what I am saying. But seeing it from my perspective as I have seen awful things because of it. With what I have witnessed. Talking first hand with wildlife rehabilitation centers. Let’s just say it is wrong.

Now there are situations where they are baited such as for banding the bird. And to catch a sick bird. Both situations are done with the bird’s safety being # 1. And when it is done it is the end of it. They do what they have to do and move on. In banding I believe the mice are raised for this purpose and they are not harmed. Although they do have casualties. They are used to lure the owl or hawk in and are in a different level in the trap. With these situations the birds are not harassed. They follow a protocol. Catch and release. Photographers wanting that “best ever photo” follow, chase and surround the birds baiting it to make it hunt. I have seen 30 people plus, surrounding a bird, some keeping a safe distance while others are not happy to do that and “move in for the kill” I have seen them follow the birds into the woods even if on private property, having it out with property owners. These are the photographers that give us all a bad reputation. They stress the birds out and they make it impossible for others to view the bird from a safe distance. You’re not going to change those people. I have met a few. When asked what they are doing, the comment has been (I am a photographer NOT a birder). I am not convinced they have the bird’s best interest at hand. But that they are only interested in that photo. And for that I will never understand. I am a photographer. I have some amazing photographs; I never would bait to get a photo. You get it or you don’t. It is what it is. My main goal is the well being of the wildlife I photograph. Using a long lens, keeping a safe distance, being quiet. The big one here though. Patience. I know some great photographers. And for those that bait not all are bad. Some just have their priorities mixed up. And some I know have stopped baiting when they realized what the effects are on the birds. There is good and bad in everything we do as humans. We are not perfect after all. But I have seen firsthand the damage. And it is very upsetting. I will never be that desperate to get a photograph. I have a friend who came across photographers that used bunnies to lure in bald eagles. She was livid. She called authorities and they told her it is not illegal. A tethered live rabbit bought in a petshop, stuck in a field of snow, for an eagle to come in and rip it apart is in other words “fine”. Animal cruelty if you ask me. I want people to know that these owls need their space. If you see one. Enjoy it, take photos of it at a safe distance and do not chase it if it flies. It is stressed if it does that and needs its own space. It is critical that they find food and that not be interfered with. Some smaller owls are pretty tame looking. They will let you approach them. But don’t go to close and never ever try to touch them. This is very very wrong. But I know it happens. It is again as I say a lot I know. “Common sense”. And we as humans have it but don’t think or get caught up in the excitement. After all some of us have never seen an owl. And they are magnificent birds of prey. If you are a birder and you spot one. Don’t report an owl on a birding sight as it will attract large numbers of people. And the bird will suffer. People that I know, we just go out looking and if you find one it is a bonus. If you don’t, the scenery we are blessed with always makes wonderful shots and peaceful times for us. And you never know what you might capture. We truly are blessed with the beauty around us and the wildlife it holds. So let’s respect it all and go out and quietly enjoy that beauty. Getting away from the everyday hurry up and go nowhere life a lot of us lead. It is the best therapy you will ever get. Enjoy. If you see an owl in need. Contact The Owl Foundation at 905 562 5986 located in Vineland. Or the nearest wildlife rehabilitation center near you.

If you have found a raptor in distress, please visit the Wildlife International page for listings of rehabilitators in your area. You may also contact your local Humane Society or Ministry of Natural Resource office for information.

Do not feed or feed or give water to any raptor without instruction by an experienced rehabilitator.

You can be doing more harm than good. Raptor throat anatomy is very different from yours.

You can drown a raptor by putting fluids and food into the wrong area.

By Jennifer Howard