In winter, 10 or more Snowy Owls often inhabit this area of about 40 square miles of fields east of Calgary. Also watch for Gyrfalcons, Snow Buntings, and Short-eared Owls.
By Rob McKay | Published: 10/22/2010

Every winter, migrating Snowy Owls inhabit the open grassland prairies of southern Alberta. They start arriving in November and leave in early April. Last winter, local birders and I saw a large number of Snowies in the open fields just 30 minutes east of the city of Calgary. As many as 10 to 14 birds could be seen on a good day; the norm is from three to six owls. Four or five adult males stayed in the area for almost four months. Gyrfalcons, Snow Buntings, and Short-eared Owls also are found in the fields.

Why we get so many Snowies here every year is a mystery. We locals figure the fields must have a huge mouse or vole population, or it might have something to do with the crops that are grown here. In any event, you just don’t see similar owl numbers north, south, or east of the fields.

Calgary is only an hour’s drive east of the Rockies, and the weather can change dramatically and without warning, so I advise you to be prepared, especially in the peak snowy months of January and February. The rewards for venturing out? Vast skies, the Rockies in the distance, and the chance to see beautiful white owls from the far north. — Rob McKay

Rob McKay is a photographer based in Calgary who specializes in photographing birds of prey. He credits his grandfather with sparking his interest in birds.