Ottawa-area nature lovers and photographers have a new reminder to keep in their back pocket this fall: if you come across a Screech Owl, give it space.
The National Capital Commission (@ncc_ccn) shared a bilingual post on Instagram with advice on how to behave around the small owls. The post notes that Screech Owls live in the region year-round, and while spotting one is exciting, "it's extremely important to respect their needs and natural environment."
Why distance matters
According to the NCC, the owls are easily disturbed by people. That disturbance can keep them from resting, feeding and doing the other things they need to do to thrive. A bird that is watched, crowded or called at is a bird that is not getting on with its day.
The NCC's four tips
The post boils the guidance down to a short list:
- Keep your distance. Stay at least 9 metres away and remain on official trails.
- Don't overstay. Don't linger for more than 9 minutes, and don't gather in crowds.
- No bait or lures. That includes recordings played to draw a bird out.
- Mind your dog. Keep dogs on a leash and 55 metres away, which the NCC compares to the length of an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
The agency's summary is short and easy to remember: help keep wildlife wild.
Photographing owls the right way
The post was illustrated with a photo credited to jason_from_ontario, and it points readers to more tips on ethical wildlife photography through the link in the NCC's Instagram bio. The caption is posted in both English and French, with the French version describing the Petit-duc maculé as a nocturnal bird of prey that lives in Ontario and Quebec all year.
The advice is especially useful for anyone with a camera. A great shot of an owl is not worth pushing closer, staying longer or playing a recording to coax the bird into view. The NCC's numbers give photographers and casual walkers a clear rule of thumb: if you are inside 9 metres, you are too close, and if the clock has passed 9 minutes, it is time to move along.
Quick checklist before you head out
- Plan to stay on marked trails.
- Leave the speaker at home.
- Bring a zoom lens rather than moving closer.
- Leash the dog and give the bird a wide berth.
- If a crowd is already gathering, consider moving on.
The post was tagged with #ottawa and #gatineau, a nod to readers on both sides of the river who share the same owls.
Source: @ncc_ccn on Instagram. Photo credit in the original post: jason_from_ontario.
