The Long-eared Owl is a summer resident of the southern half of the Province, except for mountainous areas. Most long-eared owls migrate out of the province for winter.
A patchwork of dense tree cover for nesting and roosting combined with open areas and water sources for hunting are the neighborhoods of choice for these medium-sized slim owls. These strictly nocturnal owls are seldom seen. They spend the day in a thick conifer near the trunk where they are well camouflaged.
Voles, mice and insects form the bulk of the Long-eared Owl's diet.
Abandoned crow, magpie, heron, hawk or squirrels nests renovated with strips of bark or leaves make a dandy nursery for long-eared owlets. The female lines the nest with feathers from her breast and lays 3 to 6 round white eggs, which she incubates for 21 to 28 days. Young fledge 23 to 26 days after hatching.
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Where to find Long-eared Owls in Alberta
Although rare, Long-eared Owls do occur in the Weaselhead/Glenmore area. Watch for them sleeping by day in densely forested, quiet areas of the park. Watch for them hunting at sunset along the shores of the Glenmore Reservoir. Upon further investigation, the vast majority of Long-eared Owl reports in the Weaselhead/Glenmore area turn out to be Great Horned Owls. Brent Johner
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BRENT JOHNER
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