The recent heavy snowfall in Nova Scotia is forcing some of the province’s smallest owls to venture into more populated regions in search of food. The Northern saw-whet owl, smaller than a robin, has been facing challenges hunting its usual prey of mice, voles, and shrews due to the snow cover. According to Randy Lauff, a biology instructor at St. Francis Xavier University specializing in boreal and Northern saw-whet owls, these birds have exceptional eyesight and hearing, making them skilled predators.
Unlike larger owls that can hear and catch rodents even under thick snow, the small saw-whets struggle due to their size. As a result, they are increasingly being spotted in rural and urban areas with bird feeders where mice and small birds are attracted. This winter has not been unusually severe in terms of snowfall, but the recent snow may have impacted their hunting patterns.
Hatfield Farm in Hammonds Plains recently had a rare sighting of a saw-whet owl on its grounds. The owl sought shelter in one of the barns before moving on, likely in search of small prey. Cherie Hatfield, the farm owner, emphasized the importance of allowing these creatures space to hunt and survive during the harsh winter conditions.
Lauff advises people who encounter saw-whet owls in their yards to admire them briefly and then give them space to hunt undisturbed. He recently recommended that the Nova Scotia Bird Society restrict the sharing of owl photos on social media to prevent unnecessary stress on the birds. The disturbance caused by human interactions can hinder the owls’ ability to find food, which is crucial for their survival, especially at night.
Hope Swinemar, the founder of Hope for Wildlife in Seaforth, explains that snow cover can be both advantageous and challenging for birds of prey. While the white snow makes it easier for them to spot prey, icy crusts can hinder their hunting efforts. Swinemar notes that despite the winter challenges, most wildlife can adapt and survive harsh conditions better than humans.
In conclusion, the winter conditions are impacting the behavior of saw-whet owls in Nova Scotia, prompting them to move closer to human settlements in search of food. It is essential for people to respect these creatures’ space and allow them to hunt without disturbance during this challenging period.