CANMORE – Some climbing routes are closed at Grassi Lakes to give nesting owls space and security during this sensitive time.
The closure, in place each year to protect great horned owls nesting in the rock face, applies to the left side of the Graceland rock climbing area, including You Ain’t Nothing But a Hang Dog, Memphis and It’s Now or Never.
A spokesperson for Alberta Environment and Parks was not available at press time.
“(We want) to minimize disturbances to an owl nesting site,” according to an Alberta Environment and Parks closure notice.
The great horned owl, aptly named due to the tufts of feathers on the top of the head that appear to be horns or ears, is Alberta’s provincial bird and is commonly found throughout Alberta.
Their nesting sites can vary widely, and include stick nests of other birds, snags, large tree cavities, cliff ledges, rock outcrops and caves.
Pairs mate for life and share the duties of raising owlets. In Alberta, two to three eggs are laid in late February and early March. If the first clutch is lost, the female may lay a second clutch, usually with fewer and smaller eggs.
