My last column covered some of my thoughts on how much I like the snow load that we have received and the effects of the snow cover on our regenerating trees. I had mentioned that there would be difficulties for some species to successfully reach their food sources. 

Well, a few weeks ago, a message came across my news feed letting me know that screech owls were having a tough winter. The thick snow cover has been protecting the mice, moles, and voles causing the owls to hunt in areas that they would not normally be on the prowl.

Screech owls are small owls, best described as a little larger than a robin. These owls are very well camouflaged and have two distinct colour phases: rufous  (reddish-brown) or grey. They are quite mottled, which helps them blend into the background of tree bark. As you can imagine, being an owl means that these birds have short legs to match their body style. They are not built like shore birds with long legs for wading in water. Owls, like other raptors, go for their prey feet first, grabbing their food with their talons. Functionally, it makes perfect sense for forest birds to have short legs for flying through the trees with ease. Just imagining a great blue heron trying to weave between the trees with their long legs hanging out the back makes me smile. The long-legged birds would likely be fine if they didn’t have to make any turns. Flying straight makes it hard to avoid predators.
With the deep snow that has also packed down in several layers, there is an even blanket of at least a foot of impenetrable snow cover. With legs that can’t be more than six inches long, these poor little owls don’t stand a chance in areas of undisturbed snow. Screech owls can live in both forests and urban areas. So when the snow is too deep in the forest, rural owls need to move into urban areas. As we shovel snow and maintain our properties in towns, we create openings in the snow cover. These smart creatures will take advantage of the situation and feed off all that is available to them.

The news feed encouraged us to keep an eye out for these struggling birds, noting that we may see them in areas that would normally be uncommon for them. I remember past years when the winters were very cold for long periods, screech owls were noted to be falling out of trees frozen to death. These cute little owls seem to not be best suited for winter. That may be why many farmers find screech owls in their barns and silos. In barns and silos these smart birds are hunting for prey in warmer conditions. It should be noted that like most birds of prey, these birds will hunt other birds.

As a lover of owls, I follow a few groups on social media, which is probably why these sorts of public service announcements are in my algorithm. While I quite enjoy seeing what others are seeing and hearing about their experiences with owls, I find myself JEALOUS! Sad to hear that these adorable owls are in trouble, but excited that they are more easily seen. Still, I haven’t seen one yet this year.

Over the last couple of decades, I have had the opportunity to work with the Owl Foundation, out of Vineland, Ontario, to get injured or displaced owls help. They are either rehabilitated or raising young to fledgling, to be released back into their home area.

What should you do if you find an injured owl or one that is acting strangely? Stay away from the owl, so as not to cause it more stress. Observe the owl from a distance to learn what may be the reason for its distress. Then call a local owl rehabilitator. Having said that, I tend to call the Owl Foundation first and they can tell me where to get help for the bird. Typically, if an owl rehabilitator is requesting that you deliver the owl to them, they will give clear instructions on how to handle the bird, for its safety and also for yours.

For smaller owls like the screech owls or saw-whet owls, you may think of just wearing a simple pair of gloves before approaching them. Amateur move. There are many raptor handling professionals that would be quick to warn anyone of this low level of safety. An owl’s sharp talons and beak are for both feeding and protection. Keep in mind that they are often feeding off wild meat and not washing their hands after a meal. That means that any cut or scratch they give you could wind up being infected.
I prefer to use a coat or a blanket to catch the bird, nothing too heavy. Once the bird is covered, it usually will stay still until you try to handle it, but then it will try to protect itself. A careful, quick scoop of the bird into a nearby box is best. Close the box and carefully carry it to an awaiting vehicle. The box keeps the owl in the dark but it is important to also keep it in a quiet location. Owls' hearing is very sensitive, so no radio or loud chatter. Hasn’t the dear bird suffered enough?

It is always best to observe nature first, rather than rush to help it. Does nature need our help or are we interfering? I do think we all have our weak moments when it is hard not to help. Personally, and this is just me, I have never called a rehabilitation centre out of concern over a groundhog behaving strangely. But, when it comes to a majestic owl, no matter what the size, I have never minded my own business. ◊