On top of the trees at Whitewater

The search for powder isn’t the only thing happening up at Whitewater these days. For the Northern Hawk Owl, braving the snow is more about survival than good times. In fact, there has been one hunting mice and voles up on the slopes near the Silverking chairlift for the past few weeks.

Biologist and photographer Steve Ogle was conducting the annual Christmas Bird Count up at Whitewater on January 4th when one of his kids spotted the owl just off the chair. 

“They are such a cool bird,” says Ogle, who also saw the ubiquitous pair of Common Ravens working the parking lots, along with some Steller’s Jays at the feeders near the lodge. On the same day, other birdwatchers scoured Nelson and Kootenay Lake, while all across North America similar bird counts were being conducted as part of a long-standing birder’s tradition. 

Ogle notes that the Christmas Bird Count data go to Bird Studies Canada for long-term population monitoring purposes, but he adds that it’s mainly a great way to get outside with friends or family. Not to mention seeing a Hawk Owl is no small thing, since they are only this far south during the winter months when they retreat from northern Canada. And they only show up every few years. 

“Whitewater is one of the best places to see them, and this one may hang out around Concentrator for a while longer,” says Ogle. 

Report by Steve Ogle Photos by Lily Campbell