The heavy snowfall in Nova Scotia this winter is forcing some of the province’s smallest owls to venture into more populated areas in search of food. The Northern saw-whet owl, smaller than a robin, is struggling to hunt 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.
Lauff explains that owls, known for their excellent eyesight and hearing, are well-equipped for hunting. Larger owls can detect rodents moving beneath thick snow and use their size and strength to capture prey with precision. In contrast, the small saw-whet owls face challenges navigating deep snow for hunting.
As a result, these owls are being observed more frequently this winter in rural and urban areas with bird feeders, where they target mice and small birds drawn to the feeders. Despite the perception of more prolonged and intense snow in Nova Scotia this season, meteorologist Ryan Snoddon from CBC notes that the snowfall is consistent with typical winters.
Recently, a saw-whet owl was sighted at Hatfield Farm in Hammonds Plains, N.S., marking its first appearance on the property. The owl perched in the barn rafters for a few days before moving on, likely in search of small prey around the barn due to the snow cover.
Cherie Hatfield, the farm owner, acknowledged the increased predator activity due to the snow and emphasized the importance of letting wildlife like owls have their space to survive the winter. Lauff also advises Nova Scotians to give saw-whet owls space if spotted in their yards, emphasizing the need to minimize disturbances that could impact the owls’ hunting and well-being.
Snow cover can be a double-edged sword for birds of prey, as noted by Hope Swinemar, founder of Hope for Wildlife in Seaforth, N.S. While the snow can aid in spotting prey against the white backdrop, icy crusts can hinder hunting efforts, leading to increased starvation and exhaustion for the birds. Swinemar mentioned a rise in barred owls needing assistance at the center, likely due to road-related incidents.
Despite the challenges posed by harsh winters, Swinemar highlights the resilience of wildlife in adapting to varying weather conditions. She underscores that animals have evolved strategies to cope with winter challenges, emphasizing their ability to endure and survive adverse conditions.
In conclusion, the winter snow in Nova Scotia is reshaping the habitat and behavior of saw-whet owls, highlighting the delicate balance between wildlife survival and human interaction in the face of challenging weather conditions.