Over the last few years, Alberta has had the largest per capita growth in population of any province. But now we can add more than people to our list of new arrivals. This winter, we have experienced an extraordinary invasion of owls, with sightings of great grey owls, northern hawk owls, and snowy owls at an all-time high.
The phenomenon, known as an irruption, occurs when these birds move out of their typical boreal, foothill, and arctic habitats in search of food. Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers are over the moon, having unprecedented opportunities to observe and document these magnificent creatures.
The Science Behind the Invasion
According to biologist Lisa Takats Priestley of STRIX Ecological Consulting, the surge in sightings is linked to food scarcity in the owls’ usual territories. “We are experiencing an invasion of great grey owls and northern hawk owls in central and southern Alberta,” she explained. These birds typically overwinter in their northern breeding grounds, but food shortages—likely due to declining rodent populations and unfavourable snow conditions—have forced them to migrate south.
Great grey owls, North America’s largest, are voracious predators, consuming up to seven small mammals daily. Searching more widely for snacks, the owls have moved into more developed areas, making them more visible along rural roads and open fields.
In regions such as the Beaverhills area east of Edmonton and north of Fort Saskatchewan, hawk owls have also been sighted in unusually high numbers. Similarly, Water Valley in Mountain View County, traditionally known as a great grey owl hotspot, has reported even more birds than usual this year.
Environmental factors also contribute to these movements. “Invasions can also happen when there is a change in the landscape,” Priestley noted. Recent wildfires have created prime hunting grounds for northern hawk owls, further influencing their movements.
The Snowy Owl Migration
Unlike great grey and northern hawk owls, snowy owls are not year-round residents of Alberta. However, their winter migration patterns bring them to the province annually, though in varying numbers. This year, their return has been particularly notable, with hotspots such as Beiseker, Wheatland County, and Kneehill County becoming prime locations for sightings.
Terry Korolyk, a seasoned birder and former leader of the Snowy Owl Prowl birdwatching tours, suggests that those eager to spot snowy owls should explore areas east of Calgary, particularly near Beiseker. “If you wanted to see one today, I would go out to Beiseker and check the roads east of town there, and you should probably find one or two,” he said.
While snowy owls are diurnal hunters and can be spotted throughout the day, the best viewing conditions occur on sunny days when the birds are more likely to perch in open areas. Their white plumage provides excellent camouflage against the snow, making them surprisingly difficult to spot despite their large size.
Conservation Concerns and Ethical Photography
With increased visibility comes a responsibility to ensure these birds are not disturbed.
Great grey owls, for example, are fearless around humans, making them particularly vulnerable to vehicle collisions. Snowy owls, too, face threats from habitat loss and a changing climate. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the snowy owl as a vulnerable species, with reports indicating a 56% decline in their population since 1970.
Ethical wildlife photography is crucial in protecting these owls, especially as hundreds of photographers flock to the same spot to snap a photo of the owls.
Observers should maintain a respectful distance to avoid stressing the birds, as unnecessary movement can deplete their energy reserves. Baiting owls—using food to lure them closer for photographs—is widely condemned, as it habituates them to human presence and increases their risk of vehicle collisions. “We must remember that these birds have come a long way, and they have to eat to survive, so we don’t want to disturb them as much as possible,” Korolyk emphasized.
A Rare Opportunity for Bird Enthusiasts
The current owl irruption offers a unique opportunity for bird watchers and researchers alike. Priestley and her team actively document the invasion and encourage the public to contribute by submitting owl sightings and photographs. “We are documenting the invasion and hope to write a scientific paper,” she said.
While these majestic birds will likely return to their breeding grounds by March, their presence in Alberta this winter has provided invaluable insights into their behaviour and migration patterns. By respecting their space and ensuring ethical observation, bird enthusiasts can enjoy these rare sightings while contributing to conservation efforts.
