April 26, 2008
Endangered Owls Nesting Near Fruitvale

Photo: Jakob Dulisse. (Do not use for other purposes without permission)

Over the years there has been anecdotal evidence of the elusive Western Screech-Owl residing near Fruitvale but its local existence has now been confirmed following inventory work by the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP.) Two pairs of this nationally endangered species were found near Fruitvale last summer, including one nest site with fledglings. In celebration of this important finding the FWCP will be holding an ‘Owls of BC’ presentation, including information about the Western Screech-Owl. The presentation is free but donations are accepted for BEAKs (Bird Emergency and Kare Society.) The FWCP is also offering help to local landowners who might be interested in placing wire mesh around potential screech owl wildlife trees in a bid to stop the gnawing habits of beavers felling them. “We were really happy to find the screech-owl nest last year, especially given their scarcity in British Columbia,” says FWCP biologist and project manager, Irene Manley. Screech-Owls were heard calling at nine sites during last year’s work with only two nest sites located; near Fruitvale and Creston. Several years ago BEAKs rescued a starving, immature Western Screech Owl from the Warfield area before rehabilitating it and releasing it in the Beaver Valley. The owls were found in 2007 by local contract wildlife biologists Doris Hausleitner and Jakob Dulisse using call playback surveys. A male territorial call is played in various locations to see if a male responds to defend his territory. The project, which is partially funded by Fortis BC, will continue this year. “These owls love black cottonwoods for nesting, often found on low elevation private land,” added Manley. “Given that this type of habitat often overlaps with beavers, we want to be proactive this year and promote stewardship by working with landowners on habitat improvement that may include the screening - wire meshing - of select, large cottonwood trees.” “There have been many human-induced impacts, including the creation of the reservoirs, that have reduced available cottonwood habitat for these birds,” says Kevin Conlin, Co Chair of the Steering Committee for the FWCP. “That is why we are actively working with landowners to help conserve remaining habitat.” The FWCP works on behalf of its Program Partners, BC Hydro, the B.C. Ministry of Environment and Fisheries and Oceans Canada to conserve and enhance fish and wildlife impacted by the construction of BC Hydro dams. The presenter of “Owls of BC” is Jakob Dulisse, who is also an accomplished wildlife photographer. Jakob has collected stunning images from a wide variety of professional photographers and will take the audience through all owls found in British Columbia, complete with owl call information on each species. The presentation will be at Fruitvale Community Hall on Thursday May 8th, at 7.00 p.m. Pre-registration is not required but if you would like more information visit www.fwcp.ca. Anybody who is interested in learning more about the stewardship initiatives, or has information about Screech-Owls, is asked to call Irene Manley at (250) 352 6874.

Angus Glass
Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program
103-333 Victoria St. Nelson, BC V1L 4K3 Canada
Tel (250) 352-6874 Fax (250) 352-6178
angus.glass@bchydro.com