SPFGA Naturalist Series - Conservation Needs of Burrowing Owls

Developed to further our mission by teaching people about nature and how to advocate for its conservation, the SPFGA is continuing its Naturalist Series again in 2025.

Each month we will bring various naturalists from differing backgrounds to share their knowledge in native wildlife and ecosystems to connect participants with nature and increase our appreciation of Alberta's natural heritage.

A naturalist is an expert in, or a student of natural history, so we can all become naturalists!

In Canada, the Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) is listed as endangered under the Species at Risk Act. The number of breeding pairs declined 90% during the 1990’s despite voluntary protection of over 37,000 hectares of the species habitat on private grasslands. Low recruitment exacerbates the Burrowing Owl’s decline in response to habitat loss; typically only 3-4 young fledge from the average clutch size of 9 eggs. Food supplementation experiments indicated that the wild food supply was inadequate for this species to reach its reproductive potential in some years. Migration and dispersal are important ecological processes and understanding them is a requirement for species conservation efforts. Studies of movements of Burrowing Owls using banding, VHF telemetry, stable isotopes, geolocators, and satellite transmitters demonstrate that annual dispersal is a second factor driving the owl’s decline in Canada. Supplemental feeding at nests in Grassland National Park has increased the production of nestlings in a cost-effective program. This talk summarizes 30 years of research into the population dynamics, breeding biology, migration and dispersal of this species in Canada, Texas and Mexico and recommends supplemental feeding of nests to be incorporated in recovery action plans and further research, alongside with protection of critical habitat. Greater international cooperation and direct conservation action including supplemental feeding are needed if this species is to remain on the northern Great Plains.

If a youth is attending without adult accompaniment, they must be 15 years of age or older. If the youth is accompanied by an adult however, there really isn’t a minimum age. As long as they are old enough to make it through this day of activities and do so safely, they are absolutely welcome to attend.

Dr. Geoff Holroyd’s interest in birds developed as a teenager when he was an active volunteer starting in 1961 and later as chairman of the Long Point Bird Observatory. He earned his MSc and PhD from the University of Toronto for his studies of the foraging strategies and diet of swallows. He retired in 2012 after 36 years with the Canadian Wildlife Service including studies of peregrine falcons and burrowing owls, and chairing their national recovery teams. His 20 years of research on the endangered burrowing owls included studies in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Texas and Mexico. He is now chair of the Beaverhill Bird Observatory. He coauthored the new book ‘Wildlife of the North’ in August 2023.

Dr. Holroyd will also be bringing Nina, the Beaverhill Bird Observatory's Burrowing Owl, giving session participants the opportunity to hold her.

Will there be refreshments?

Yes. Coffee, water, and baked goods/sweets will be provided. Please bring your own reusable water bottle and travel mug to reduce waste.

In addition, we’ll also be hosting a smokie and hot dog roast following Dr. Holroyd’s presentation. So, be sure to bring your appetite along with your curiosity about these fascinating and adorable owls!

What happens if there's bad weather?

This is an indoor session. Unless the weather poses safety conditions, this event will proceed.

What should do I need to bring?

Participants only need to bring their interest and curiosity in Alberta’s owl species.

We will refund registration fees if an event is cancelled. Outside of that, individual refunds will not be provided. Please ensure your availability prior to booking. Individuals who cannot make the event may transfer their registration to another individual.

These SPFGA Naturalist Series sessions have been generously funded through a grant from Beaver County and the Government of Alberta Department of Arts, Culture and Status of Women.

Host or Publisher Sherwood Park Fish & Game Association Board