Dataset

Alberta Nocturnal Owls Survey

About

Dataset summary

The purpose of the Alberta Nocturnal Owl survey is to collect information to help determine status of species, and to act as an early warning signal if populations are declining. The goals of this program are to: obtain information on distribution of nocturnal owls in Alberta, estimate relative abundance of owls collect information that will lead to estimating population trends of nocturnal owls at regional and provincial scales, as well as contribute to a North America-wide program, determine habitat associations of nocturnal owls.

Season(s) and frequency

Volunteers are needed to help run owl surveys during March, April, and early May. Only two nights (approximately two hours each night) are required for these surveys.

Geographic area covered

Alberta

Primary species covered

Owls

Goals

The purpose of the Alberta Nocturnal Owl survey is to collect information to help determine status of species, and to act as an early warning signal if populations are declining. The goals of this program are to: obtain information on distribution of nocturnal owls in Alberta, estimate relative abundance of owls collect information that will lead to estimating population trends of nocturnal owls at regional and provincial scales, as well as contribute to a North America-wide program, determine habitat associations of nocturnal owls.

Methods

Sampling Design

Randomly selected routes

Field methods

Similar to other roadside surveys using tape playback. Two volunteers drive pre-determined route, stopping at fixed intervals (1.6 km apart) along roadside. At each stop, timed listening periods. Surveyor identifies and records all owls seen or heard during each listening period. Surveys begin one half hour after sunset during a single evening in April and take approximately 3 hours to complete (not including travel time to and from the survey route).

Partners

Canadian Wildlife Service

Citation

Birds Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, and Beaverhill Bird Observatory. 2025. "Alberta Nocturnal Owl Survey". Data accessed from NatureCounts, Birds Canada.