Eagle-Eye Tours, a British Columbia-based company specializing in bird-watching trips, is offering owl-sighting tours in Manitoba this winter. The tours, which have gained popularity among international birders, provide unique opportunities to observe owls in their natural habitat. Participants, including Montana physician Kishore Karamchandani, have expressed their excitement and satisfaction with the experience.
Karamchandani, a pulmonary and critical care physician, joined one of Eagle-Eye Tours’ sold-out excursions in Manitoba. Despite the cold winter climate, he was thrilled to witness a hawk owl in flight and capture stunning images of various owl species. The tour, which attracted around sixty participants, highlighted the resilience and beauty of Manitoba’s owl population.
While Eagle-Eye Tours typically organizes trips to warmer destinations like Belize and Costa Rica, the allure of Manitoba’s diverse owl species and accessible viewing locations has drawn bird enthusiasts from around the world. The Manitoba Nocturnal Owl Survey, founded by Jim Duncan and his wife, has played a crucial role in monitoring owl populations and engaging citizen scientists in conservation efforts.
Owls such as the great horned owl, saw-whet owl, and boreal owl are among the most common species in Manitoba during the winter months. Despite challenges in spotting these nocturnal creatures, dedicated birders are eager to encounter these elusive birds. Duncan emphasized the natural fluctuations in owl populations, influenced by prey availability and environmental conditions.
The winter season in Manitoba offers opportunities to witness owl irruptions, where certain species experience a population surge and become more visible to birdwatchers. Snowy owls, in particular, have been observed perched on hydro poles and soaring over agricultural areas in southern Manitoba. Duncan’s ongoing work with Discover Owls and his educational initiatives continue to inspire visitors to appreciate and protect Manitoba’s diverse owl population.
The experience of engaging with owls in their winter habitat has left a lasting impression on participants like Karamchandani, who plans to return to Manitoba for future wildlife encounters. Eagle-Eye Tours recognizes the unique appeal of Manitoba’s wildlife and aims to showcase the region’s natural beauty to a global audience.
