The Great Horned Owl is a large owl that hunts at night. They are about 70 cm tall with a 160cm wing span. The males and females are very similar in appearance, with the females being slightly larger. They lay their eggs in January through February, often in hollow areas found in trees or abandoned nests. In 35 days, hatchlings will appear.
PKOLS – Mount Douglas is a nesting ground for Great Horned Owls, making it essential to stay on trails within PKOLS – Mount Douglas conservancy.
This March a Great Horned Owls couple found the perfect wildlife tree for their nest, and three little owlets emerged. Often owlets will attempt to fly before their flight feathers are fully developed, resulting in a somewhat graceful soft landing on the ground. With all the off-leash and off-trail dogs in the area, Saanich staff erected a protective fence. If you see one on the ground; mama will continue to care for the young one who might climb back up its nesting tree.
PKOLS - Mount Douglas lies within the traditional territories of the W̱SÁNEĆ peoples, represented by the W̱JOȽEȽP, BOḰEĆEN, SȾÁUTW̱, W̱SIḴEM and MÁLEXEȽ Nations; as well as the the lək ̓wəŋən peoples, represented by the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations. The W̱SÁNEĆ and lək ̓wəŋən peoples have been here since time immemorial, and their relationship with the land and water is long and rich.
