Despite the best efforts of conservationists, government and farmers, burrowing owls no longer live in Manitoba.
A population of 50 breeding pairs all but disappeared last year, say Environment Canada researchers, and this season none are known to have returned.
Late last year, the long-suspected but unconfirmed winter nesting ground of the Canadian birds was found. Two birds, one with a radio-tracking collar and another found dead, were identified in southern Texas.
“American populations are under pressure as well,” said Helen Trefry, a wildlife technician with the Canadian Wildlife Service, in Edmonton.
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“States like Washington and Oregon are now concerned about their birds. There is an annual raptor meeting in the U.S. and this year there will be a burrowing owl symposium. Nearly every state with owls will be represented. We hope a co-ordinated effort will come out it.”
The fight to save the endangered species continues in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Two programs, one federal and one provincial, are focusing on improving the bird’s chances of survival.
In Alberta, a study being carried out near Brooks is looking at foraging patterns of the male birds. Previous studies have shown increased chick survival rates if the male birds have a sufficient source of food. Females lay up to nine eggs but in recent years often only three or four chicks survive.
Saskatchewan researchers are studying populations in the Regina-area plains and are supplementing the food supply to help ensure chick survival. Transmitters are being placed on many birds and it is hoped the migrating raptors can be followed to their wintering grounds.
The once common bird is now reduced to 1,000 breeding pairs and since 1995 has been classified as an endangered species.
Threats to the burrowing owl population, which nest in existing burrows, include bringing grassland under tillage, pesticides such as Furadan 480F (carbofuran) and loss of habitat when burrowing rodents such as Richardson’s ground squirrels are eliminated.
