THE evening skies of autumn often see the flight of Canada's two smallest species of owls as they begin their southern journey to a sarmer winter, The Northern Pygmy and Northern Saw-Whet Owl are en route from their breeding grounds in the Canbou and other higher altiude areas. While some of the awls are per- manent B.C. residents, athers depart with the shortening days of carly Ozober (and continie to do so until December} to milder climates. A good number of both species migvate directly over the greater Vancouver skyline and as a result often injure by the theaselves fying iato buildings and homes. The Wildlife Resear Asseciauion receives miny owds cach vear that hare broken their wings or sutfere concussions asa result of “ilving inte ccsidential and commercsil windows. “The ows are con: fused by lights the build- ings and are unable te distin: gush the gloss panes. A wide ¢. ange of dirds expe- nence similar injuries in the spring and tall migrason peri- ads and though day time {vers can easily be alerted to the win- dows presence with adhesive sibouettes, the only preventa- tive measure for the ewls is ro either close the blinds or cur- wains in residences as evening sets in or curn off the commer- cial lights as the working dav ends Should anyone find an injured bed, the best way of helping it is: @ Cover the injured bird witha large towel or sweater, keeping the feer and beak away from sour face and hands, B Wrap the bird loosely wish the to @ Place it in a securely closed cardboard bow with snail air holes. 8 Do not offer food or water as injured animals are ina state of shock. @ Contact the Wildlife Rescue Assocation as soon as possible at 526-7375 tor instractions. Vhe adult owls are often niistaken for babies because they are enly around 10 cen- umetres in Jength and weigh from 60 to 90> grams, Their small talons, however, are very powerfil and sharp, and expersly used ar feeding times. further ignt, owls may need hel The Saw Wher Ovds prev on mice and insects for the most part ard enjev a patiern of dawn and dusk meals. The Pygmy Cab. on the hand, are particularly aggressive tor their small size aid usually hunt during dayheht hours and easily catch and carry small birds that equal or exceed their own size and weight. So as winter descends upan the Vancouver area, remember these little awls on their south: other ward journey and haw we con help them reach their destina- ton. — This article was the first in a series written dy the staff of the Wildlife Kesene Assoctation of BC. about urban wildlife issues. For information, cell (604) 520-72 fax at 324- 2890), or e-mail to $18,895 @ 89 uc PICK-UP Auta, 4WO, wagon V6 auta, looks & nis ns great $1.95 © GH WISSAN SENTRA . 97 CREV LUNIA | . Huny, bury _ " 98 FORD WINDSTAR tha auto, local car. 96 TOYOTA AVALON 7pass, nicely equizped . Toyota fags, every cation $2 $22,995 94 TCYSTA TERCEL 4dr, auto, local ear - 13K $22,800 $25,800 LOO MRE “35K | ton root EE MLIBU : See Se sabes $28,800 ASK US ABOUT LEASING - Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. 1375 Marine Dr. 984- 9351 North Vancouver 7 _WwWiw.vancouver, mercedes- -benz. ca 93 HONDA ACCORD iX ’ 97 GR. CARAVAN SPORT 95 CAMARO 128 CONVERT. F 93 TOYOTA COROLLA VE 4dr, auto, ex. condition woe Nicely equipped $18,935 Corvetie engine loaded - $21,558 ~ $13,695 auto, 4 dr $16,485 Echo 2,650.00 D. P., Total P Paid 9,552.00 +. taxes; Corolla 2 000.00 D. P,, Total Paid 11,384.00 + taxes; Camry 3,000. 000. P,, Total Paid 15,648.00 + taxes ‘dy aa Ny