This pilot project is a joint effort between the KFN, Bird Studies Canada, MNR, Migration Research Foundation and Lennox & Addington Stewardship Council. It will be conducted primarily on the population on Wolfe and Amherst Islands.

The Short-eared Owl is currently classified as a species of Special Concern in Ontario and Canada. To gain a greater understanding of population size and their habitat use and selection, standardized visual surveys are undertaken between November 1, 2009 and March 31, 2010. Each survey route consists of five to seven predetermined survey points. Each survey point visit consists of 5- or 10-minute surveys, depending on whether one or both sides of road require surveying. It should take less than 1.5 hours to complete a survey route. Volunteers can choose between morning and evening surveys. Morning surveys start one half-hour before sunrise and evening surveys start one hour before sunset. Volunteers able to commit to five or more surveys during the five-month period are preferred, but volunteers with less time available are also welcome. Maps of survey route, survey point descriptions and UTM co-ordinates and sunrise and sunset table are provided.

KFN contact: If you are interested in volunteering or for more information, please contact Kurt Hennige at khennige@xplornet.com or call 613-386-1772.