Tommy Thompson Park (TTP) is a popular winter hangout for owls,
and for those who seek them. The largest existing greenspace on
the Toronto waterfront, TTP provides critical habitat for owls
during the harshest months of the year. Ten owl species have
been observed at TTP, but the most common owls are Great Horned,
Long-eared and Northern Saw-whet. Northern Saw-whet Owl (Theresa
McKenzie) During the winter many birders and photographers visit
TTP in search of owls. Some regulars even know which trees to
check, as owls often have favorite roosting locations.
Unfortunately, the well-worn paths leading right up to the
trunks of such trees are a clear indication that people are
getting too close for comfort. Over the years there have also
been many accounts of people crowding around owls, causing them
to fly away and even pruning or breaking branches in order to
get better photographs. There is no doubt that people’s
intentions are good – we love owls so much that we will spend
hours in the cold and wind just to