Track a Short-eared Owl

Modern technology lets scientists and birders follow a reclusive North American Short-eared Owl through the breeding season. We can watch too.

The Short-eared Owl is widespread globally, and ranges throughout North America except in the very far north. In spite of this, Asio flammeus is a species of Special Concern in Canada, and one that we don’t know enough about. To learn more, scientists have placed a satellite transmitter on a female Short-eared owl in order to track her movements. Anyone can watch by visiting the map at Bird Studies Canada.

The owl was tagged in Southern Ontario, where she spent the winter. In early spring, she flew to Michigan, but soon headed north into Quebec. Based on what we know of the species, she may migrate more than 1600 kilometres (1000 miles) to reach her nesting site. Short-eared Owls live in open habitat such as prairies, marshes, grasslands, tundra, and sand dunes. They begin nesting from March through late June--like Burrowing Owls, Short-eared Owls nest on the ground.

On May 13, the owl was in Quebec, near the eastern shore of James Bay. It remains to be seen whether she will continue moving north in the days to come. You can see her entire flight path by updating the map (click on “Previous Month”, or “Previous Two Months,” and then “Update Map.”) and watch her progress by checking back regularly.