CALGARY – There’s a pair of tiny celebrities in Fish Creek Park and they’re only about the size of your cell phone. Northern Pygmy Owls are Alberta’s smallest owl.
They normally live in the foothills, but parks officials say they likely came to hunt in the city because there’s less snow.
They haven’t been spotted in the park since 2011, but started making a reappearance in the Bebo Grove area in November.
Now, they’re attracting their own Pygmy paparazzi.
On Wednesday morning it seems someone ‘hooted’ out the owls coordinates on social media. Within minutes, half a dozen star-struck bird watchers pulled in.
“On Saturday there was probably 30 or 40 people here,” says Larry Atherley.
“I feel sorry for the bird because everybody is going where they’re going. The bird flies and groups of people go. So it was a little frustrating but it is really exciting when they’re here.”
Northern Pygmy Owls hunt during the day. They eat voles, which are almost the same size as they are.
Officials say if you venture out to Bebo Grove to get a peek at the owls, make sure you bring binoculars or a long lens; don’t try to get close to them. If they feel harassed, it may drive them out of the park or disturb their feeding time.
“It makes it difficult to hunt,” says Julia Millen, Environmental Educator with Alberta Parks.
“It can scare the prey away and also disturb the owls. They’re spending a lot of time – could potentially spend a lot of time – keeping away from people and avoiding and all the noise.”
Northern Pygmy Owls aren’t endangered, but they are a sensitive species that wildlife experts are monitoring. They could be at risk if they face habitat pressures.
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