Alberta ~ Winter Owls

March 6 to 8 - We have three days to search for some target birds in southwestern Alberta. Owls are the main focus of this short trip, with specific attention paid to finding three species in particular; Great Gray Owl, Snowy Owl and Northern Hawk-Owl. Since the owls occupy different locations each winter it is hard to give a set itinerary for this trip. Where we visit will depend greatly on where the owls are hanging out. Snowy Owls prefer open prairie, where they sit atop fence posts or telephone poles. Other birds to look out for in the winter on the prairie include Snow Buntings, Gyrfalcon, Gray Partridge, Rough-legged Hawk and more. Great Gray and Northern Hawk-owls are often found in more wooded areas with open pastures and fields. These habitats are home to other winter birds like Boreal Chickadee, American Three-toed Woodpecker, Common and perhaps Hoary redpolls, Ruffed and Spruce grouse, and American Goshawk. We will use a hotel in the Calgary area as our base.