With a large group of over 45 enthusiastic participants, Michael Runtz led us around the back roads between Arnprior and Pakenham on our annual owl prowl.

On our first stop, while looking for Short-eared Owls, we found a Merlin which was seen through a scope while sitting on top of a pole.  We moved on from there as the sun was setting to search for our owls and had great responses from Northern Saw-whet Owls in 3 locations.  This was the highest number of locations at which we found them, certainly in the past decade and perhaps ever.  Barred Owls were calling in 2 locations and in one location the owl sat for awhile at the roadside.  A quote from one of the participants captures the moment:  “Wonderful to be outside last night. So still and peaceful. My fav moment was just before dark when the geese were coming in and there was a saw whet calling and a barred owl was secretly watching us.”  Thanks Michael for another delightful Owl Prowl!

Photos: Ian Somerville