(Great horned owl in the Kingsview residential area. sixmountains.ca photo)
Residents more likely to see owls in daytime as parents feed young, says The Raptors
We normally think of owls as being nocturnal, but all that changes at this time of the year as parents work around the clock to feed their young.
Residents are seeing them more frequently in daylight, including adults returning with prey in residential areas.
“Yes, we see them more often right now as they are working hard to keep feeding their young, especially as they branch out and adventure/explore all around the forest,” says Robyn Radcliffe of The Raptors in North Cowichan.
The operation’s rescue society receives numerous calls about fledgling/branching owls this time of year, she says.
“If possible, we advise letting them be and keeping cats/dogs in the house so the young owls can adventure safely. Their parents will feed them even when they are on the ground.”
(Arnie May video of great horned owl chick near Maple Bay)
Only occasionally are young owls brought in for rehabilitation, including as a result of falls from trees, she says.
“We have one barred owl chick who could not be re-nested/reunited with his parents,” Radcliffe says. It is expected to be released in the next month.
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— Larry Pynn, June 21, 2025