This is an insert that was sent out to all Operation Burrowing Owl members in Alberta along with the 1996 Newsletter and census post card that asked if their owls returned or not.
OBO - Alberta Edition
| Volume 7 Issue 1 | July 1996 |
Welcome to another season of looking for those elusive owls. I cannot believe that this is the
fifth year that I have been writing to you. I have had the pleasure of meeting with most of you or you
may have had a visit from Heidi Hargrove who has been helping me out these last two summers.
As far as the owls are concerned, they have not been so lucky. The population continued
decline in Alberta according to the census information received from OBO members. I would also
like to thank the over 95 % of you who participated in last years census.
Please note our new contact information at the bottom of this page. Please feel free to contact
me if you have questions, concerns or issues that you would like to explore.
1995 Burrowing Owl Nesting Pair Population Estimates
The latest population estimate for Alberta for is about 800 breeding pairs. Saskatchewan, once the
stronghold for the species, has dropped to about 800 pairs from 1500 in the late 1980s. The Alberta
estimate was obtained from Alberta Environmental Protection through a contract to Dr. Joe
Schmutz.
You may have read quite a bit about the $100,000 that Joe got for this study. What was
not mentioned was that this project attempted to sample 5% (over 27 Townships!) of the owls range
throughout Alberta and employed 12 students over the summers of 1994 and 1995.
Census Time...Again
By now the young burrowing owls should be up and are finally flying in some areas. We had a strange
spring that is making for an interesting summer for migrant birds. Burrowing owls will change nest
site locations from time to time. Watching for these little critters can be tricky. With young flying
about, spotting them will be a little easier.
Please check your burrowing owl historic sites and take a look around the surrounding area for
anything about as tall as a long-necked beer bottle and weighing the same as a Quarter Pounder
If you have NO Owls please fill in the census card and return it. Having no owls is very important to
know when looking at long range trends in population.
Please return your Census Post Card by August 15
Email?
We have included an Email address on the census post card. Technology has sure taken fire in the
Eastern Irrigation District (EID). The EID is the local service provider for the internet and most
of their clients are rural! The Internet is sure an amazing tool for exploring and getting your
message out to the world but it will never replace having coffee at the kitchen table.
What is new with OPERATION GRASSLAND COMMUNITY in 1996?
- the inaugural planting of Thorny Buffaloberry the LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE TRAIL
- a long term project that will see the plants within the CP Rail Mainline Right of Way from
Bassano to the Saskatchewan border
- over 100 clumps (5 - 6 plants) planted in suitable habitat between Brooks and Bassano
- a cooperative project with DU, NAWMP, CP Rail, Alberta Environmental Protection, EID
+ MANY MORE!
- shrubs will provide escape cover and a food source for many other types of prairie critters
- ongoing monitoring of plant survivorship and planting procedures will lead to development
of practical applications
- Amphibians and reptiles collectively known as herptiles are being profiled by OGC in 1996.
- Herptiles are an important indicator of the health of the ecosystem.
- Alberta Environmental Protection has initiated an Amphibian Monitoring Program that includes an excellent
reference manual that has descriptions, ranges, life history information, simple guidelines for
monitoring and a cassette tape of vocalizations that would make a great family project.
- There is a Prairie rattle snake radio tracking (telemetry) study that we are working on with
Dinosaur Provincial Park.
- We are in the process of finishing up some brochures and will also become a part of our
Internet Home Page.
We've Moved!
The proposed privatization of the Brooks Pheasant Hatchery has forced us to look for other office
space. The Eastern Irrigation District (EID) has graciously agreed to supply us with temporary office
space in their building at Brooks, Alberta.
Please note our NEW ADDRESS, PHONE and FAX
EFFECTIVE MARCH 1996
Operation Grassland Community
Box 1644
Brooks, AB
Canada T1R 1C5
Phone: (403) 362-1400
Fax: (403) 362-6206
Email: dscobie@eid.awinc.com
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