The heavy snowfall in Nova Scotia this winter is driving some of the province’s smallest owls to venture into more human-inhabited areas in search of food. Randy Lauff, a biology instructor at St. Francis Xavier University specializing in boreal and Northern saw-whet owls, explains that the deep snow cover is making it challenging for the tiny Northern saw-whet owl, which is smaller than a robin, to hunt its usual prey of mice, voles, and shrews. Unlike larger owls that can rely on their keen senses to locate rodents beneath thick snow layers, the saw-whet owls, due to their petite size, are struggling to do so effectively.
As a result, these owls are increasingly being sighted in rural or urban yards with bird feeders, not for the seeds but for the small creatures like mice and sparrows that are drawn to the feeders. Hatfield Farm in Hammonds Plains, N.S., recently welcomed a saw-whet owl on its premises for the first time. The owl took refuge in one of the barns, perching on the rafters for a few days before moving on. Owner Cherie Hatfield speculates that the owl was likely searching for prey in the snowy environment.
Lauff advises Nova Scotians who come across a saw-whet owl in their yard to admire it briefly, take a photo if desired, and then give the owl space. He stresses the importance of not disturbing these stressed owls, especially during their crucial hunting time just after dusk. Snow cover can be both advantageous and challenging for birds of prey, as it makes prey more visible but can also hinder access to food if the snow hardens into ice crusts. Hope Swinemar, founder of Hope for Wildlife in Seaforth, N.S., notes that while she hasn’t seen a rise in saw-whet owls needing assistance, there has been an increase in barred owls at the center, likely due to road accidents during dusk hunting.
Despite the harsh winter conditions, most birds and animals have adapted well to survive, demonstrating resilience in dealing with challenging weather patterns. The wildlife world has evolved mechanisms to cope with severe winters over time, highlighting their ability to navigate and endure such conditions effectively.
