Along the 49th Parallel: Burrowing Owls on the Prairie

Seven pairs of burrowing owls were transferred to three release sites in May in Turtle Mountain and West Souris River Conservation Districts. The Manitoba Burrowing Owl Recovery Program received a three-year grant through Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands (SARPAL) to start work earlier this year and those that follow. Release pens are used until four eggs are laid and the owls are able to acclimate to their environment. Once the pens are removed the owls don’t go far from the nest with the male providing for the female on the nest. The program encourages landowners interested in improving their land for burrowing owls and other grassland birds to contact them by calling their HOOT line at 204-807-4668.