Overview
Project Name
Alberta Nocturnal Owl Survey
Access Level
Open (core fields)
Year Ended
Ongoing
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.
