BURROWING OWL CONSERVATION SOCIETY of BC
We build and maintain nesting burrows in conservation areas for burrowing owls. Most of our conservation work is done on private land. None of this would be possible without the support and interest of landowners.We are grateful for their continued participation.
If you would like to donate land or participate as a partner in our conservation program, please email us bocsbc@gmail.com
If you would like to donate land or participate as a partner in our conservation program, please email us bocsbc@gmail.com
Owls are raised and cared for by trained staff in dedicated breeding facilities. The birds have spacious flight pens and high quality food allowing them to have the greatest chance of success before release to the wild. These centres are far apart in order to protect the birds in case of disease or disaster. They are located at: Kamloops, Port Kells and Oliver.
After a year in the breeding facility young owls are tagged, paired and released to a nestiing burrow in the wild. We monitor their success and report to BC government. If you see a burrowing owl in the wild we would love to hear about it and see any photograph that you may have taken. Please let us know bocsbc@gmail.com .Include details of the location, time, date, weather conditions and what the bird was doing. If you took a photograph please include it. Tell us if you noticed any bands or coloured marking on the legs.
We support and promote educational and interpretation programs to inspire future generations who will conserve these iconic grassland birds.Our brochure with conservation information is available for download.
OUTREACH
Download our BOCS BC pamphlet with information about conservation and protection of burrowing owls.
Read the current edition of Pellet Post Newsletter
Spring/Summer 2021.
Back issues of Pellet Post with burrowing owl news and conservation information can be viewed here:
Archived Pellet Post newsletters
Spring/Summer 2021.
Back issues of Pellet Post with burrowing owl news and conservation information can be viewed here:
Archived Pellet Post newsletters
Lauren and our ambassador owl are available to visit schools and community events to help raise awareness of the significance of burrowing owls and the importance of conserving grasslands. If you have an event or want to help us fundraise, please contact us bocsbc@gmail.com
Owls in the News
BOCS struggling as food costs are doubling to feed endangered species they care for in Oliver
Price hikes for food are hitting everyone’s wallets, including the Burrowing Owl Conservation...
Burrowing owls returning to Thompson Okanagan nests after migration to Mexico
Driven by warmer weather, one of B.C.’s most endangered birds is returning to their underground...
Burrowing owls released onto Alberta prairie as part of efforts to bolster endangered species
Canadian populations of the owls have declined more than 90% over last 40 years CBC News · Posted:...
Captive breeding only works when animals can go home
By David Suzuki with contributions from Ontario Science Projects Manager Rachel Plotkin B.C. is...
Owl evacuees get comfortable in new home in Kamloops
Jesse Johnston CBCNews · Posted: Aug 17, 2019 9:00 AM PT It's not unusual for birds to migrate but...
She did it for love.
She did it for love: Rare wild owl tries burrowing into Manitoba enclosure to find mate Researcher...
Nearly 100 juvenile burrowing owls take first steps into the wild
Residents of B.C.'s Interior shouldn't be alarmed if they start seeing a bunch of owls flying...
Lauren Meads: Top 40 Entrepreneur
This year, Okanagan Edge and the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce have partnered to showcase some of...
Global Owl Project in Umatilla Oregon
As founder of the Global Owl Project, David Johnson works with 450 people in 65 countries to...
WildLens Eyes on Conservation
Burrowing Owls (Athene cunicularia) are a small (150-180 g) species of owl that nests in the...
Species Spotlight - Burrowing Owl
Common name: Burrowing Owl Latin name: Athene cunicularia Status under SARA: Endangered, 2006...
Digging for Owls
BC Wildlife Park video on the Burrowing Owls
Fun Facts
Meet our Field Team
Lauren Meads
Executive Director
Lauren is passionate about animals and has Master's of Science in Applied Animal Behaviour from the University of Edinburgh Scotland. She has a great commitment to the conservation of burrowing owls.
Lia McKinnon
Field Biologist
Lia has been with the project for several years and confidently handles owls and their chicks as part of the spring and summer field program.
Charyl Omelchuk
Field Biologist
Charyl works with the burrowing owl program in Kamloops. Her owl catching skills are unsurpassed and she is an asset to the program
Tracy Reynolds
BC Wildlife Park
Tracy is Animal Care Supervisor at BCWP. She looks after the burrowing owl captive breeding program in Kamloops.