The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
To provide a better understanding of the health of Canada's owl populations, Conservation Minister Stan Struthers is encouraging interested individuals to participate in the annual Manitoba Nocturnal Owl Survey. "Information is critical to helping us make informed decisions on wildlife management," said Struthers. "The information gathered through the survey is an important tool in managing owl populations and ensuring their long-term survival. I encourage interested members of the public to participate in the survey." As part of the survey, volunteers will be provided information about how to monitor owls at night, when they are most active. No experience is necessary to participate in the survey and training materials will be provided to volunteers. Participants will, however, be required to provide their own vehicle, compass and flashlight. "Before the start of the National Nocturnal Owl Survey, little was known about the distribution of owls in Canada," said Debbie Badzinski, national nocturnal owl survey co-ordinator with Bird Studies Canada. "Now, every year, thanks to volunteer owl surveyors, we learn a little more about these secretive nocturnal birds." Each year, approximately 1,000 BSC volunteers participate and help track the whereabouts of thousands of owls all across Canada. Bird Studies Canada is recognized nationwide as a leading and respected not-for-profit conservation organization dedicated to the study and understanding of wild birds and their habitats. Each year, more than 20,000 volunteers actively participate in BSC research and education activities. "Because owls are most active at night, they have gained a reputation of being elusive and mysterious," said Struthers. "This project provides the public an opportunity to learn about the owls when they are most active. I am pleased that Bird Studies Canada (BSC) and Manitoba Conservation can partner together to co-ordinate this useful survey and encourage the public to become involved." If you have a keen interest in owls and an enthusiasm to venture out in the dark in early spring to help survey owls, please contact Jim Duncan at Manitoba Conservation at 204-945-7465 or [email protected]
