At least, I think it is a Prairie Falcon. Seems quite dark. Whatever it is, I was very grateful to see it this afternoon, even more so as I ended up finding no Snowy Owls at all in the short time I looked.
"The prairie falcon is classified as Sensitive in the current General Status of Alberta Wild Species report. See the Status of the Prairie Falcon in Alberta report at:
General Status of Alberta Wild Species
In a subsequent detailed status assessment, Alberta's Endangered Species Conservation Committee identified the prairie falcon as a Species of Special Concern — a species that without human intervention may soon become threatened with extinction.
Issues
Population is dependent on the availability of secure nest sites and an adequate base population of ground squirrels.
Current management
Like all raptors in Alberta, the prairie falcon is protected by the provincial Wildlife Act and classified as a non-game species.
This species is a focal species of the MULTISAR (multiple species at risk) program.
MULTISAR strives to conserve multiple species at risk by working cooperatively with landowners and lease holders to implement voluntary beneficial management practices on native prairie habitat. Surveying local populations, assessing the ecological status of the habitat, developing management recommendations and habitat enhancement projects, and monitoring the species' response over time are key elements of the program."
aep.alberta.ca/fish-wildlife/wild-species/birds/falcons-w...
My actual reason for driving east of the city today was to go and introduce myself to one of the local landowners in that area. About a week ago, her Grandson had been curious about what we were doing, parked along the side of the road. He told me that his Grandmother was really nervous, wondering what we were up to. Understandably so, as there is plenty of crime in rural areas. I had reassured him that anyone in any cars were birders/photographers, interested only in seeing and photographing the special owls that were on their land. He invited me to go in and meet his Grandma, but I had to explain to him that my night vision for driving is bad and that I needed to try and get back to the city before it got dark (ended up driving in the dark!). I told him that I would call in another day and I wanted to make sure that I did this. So, today was the day. Last night, I had printed out a photo I had taken a week ago of one of these Short-eared Owls, perched on a post in their field. Also printed a Snowy Owl and a Great Horned Owl for them, and we had an enjoyable chat about the different kinds of owl. I do hope this lady feels safer now that she knows exactly what we are all doing.
It was SO cold out there today, thanks to our ongoing deep freeze. Despite being just a few degrees 'warmer' (i.e. less cold) today, it was bitterly cold. Snow is in the forecast for tonight and tomorrow morning. Again .....
