Northern Owl Adventure Tour Series: Exciting days with Canada’s northern owls during 2023-2024

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Saskatoon Custom Bird Tours

Northern Owl Adventures

Winter 2023-2024
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

Birders and  Bird Photographers- Join the Northern Owl Adventure Series of day trips, half-day trips and 2-day trips organized by Saskatoon Custom Bird Tours during the upcoming winter season.

This set of budget group tours will focus on observing Canada’s most sought-after owls:

  • Snowy Owl
  • Northern Hawk Owl
  • Great Gray Owl.

In winter, these species may be viewed and photographed during daylight hours in Saskatchewan.
Bring up to 4 people in your vehicle, the cost is the same so you may split the fees with your birding and bird photography friends.

We will also search for Spruce Grouse, Hoary and Common Redpolls, Bohemian Waxwings plus many other winter bird residents found in Saskatchewan’s prairies and boreal forests.

Northern Owl Adventure Series - Snowy Owl Tour
Snowy Owl by Nick Saunders

Snowy Owl researchers tell us that the highest wintering concentration in the world of these beautiful white birds occurs on the open prairies near Saskatoon.

Join our special Snowy Owl budget Half-Day Group Tour. These 3-hour escorted driving group tours will explore the back roads near Saskatoon where Snowys frequently hang out on winter days. We might also spot Sharp-tailed Grouse, Gray Partridge, Short-eared Owl, Golden Eagle plus redpolls, and other prairie bird winter residents.

Northern Owl Adventure Series - Forest Winter Birding Tour
Great Gray Owl by Brian Henderson

When the snow lies deep in the forest, the majestic Great Gray is often attracted to certain road-side hotspots where they can hunt more easily for mice in the daytime.

You may join either a 1-day or 2-day Budget Forest Winter Owl Bird Photography Tours departing Saskatoon to view and photograph these magnificent birds.
We will also look for Barred Owls, Spruce Grouse, Black-backed and American Three-toed Woodpeckers plus Common and Hoary Redpolls and other winter bird residents of the boreal forest.

Ethical Owl Photography Policy

We feel it is important that we follow ethical owl photography techniques when photographing owls in the wild during our tours and workshops. We suggest clients read the Owl Observation and Photography Tips suggested by Birds Canada.

Our owl observation and photography policy includes the following key points designed to avoid disturbing any owls we find. Whenever we are near an owl, we will let you know what is permitted depending upon the distance and behaviour of the owl.

  • We do NOT bait owls. Baiting owls with food may alter their behaviour near people. Any owls we encounter should exhibit natural wild behaviour and may be wary of humans.
  • Clients should use a telephoto lens on your camera for the best images or view the owls using binoculars or with a spotting scope. When appropriate and requested, we will set up a high magnification spotting scope at a reasonable distance to avoid disturbing the owls.
  • In some situations, it is best to observe and photograph owls from inside a vehicle which may act as a blind. Bring a bean bag or window mount for your camera. Also bring 2 dark pieces of cloth (t-shirts, pillow cases, towels) to cover the windows on the opposite side of your vehicle from the owls so that they are less likely to see you move inside your vehicle.
  • In some circumstances, you may exit the vehicle on the side away from the owl and then crouch down to hide behind the vehicle for photography or observation.
  • Avoid talking loudly or making noise when an owl is close to us. We want the owl to be able to listen for its prey.

Tour Options

Click the name of each tour for more information and registration forms for each of the possible budget group tours you can join. Private tour information on other dates is also available on those webpages.

Questions: Email birdtours@sasktel.net or phone 306-652-5975.

Ptarmigan Tour
CLICK PICTURE for details.

Multiple Tours Discount

Can’t decide which tour to take?

Check out our multiple tours discount described here.

Northern Owl Adventure Series Registration Form

If you don’t have a cell phone, enter your landline number.
Mailing address needed for tax receipt.
You will be sent payment instructions by email.
You will be sent payment instructions by email.
OPTIONAL
Smoking is allowed only inside your own personal vehicle. No smoking is permitted during meals, anywhere in shared accommodations or outside during birding stops or hikes.

 

 

Monthly Newsletter

Learn about special offers and new tours.
CLICK HERE to sign up for the monthly electronic Newsletter from Saskatoon Custom Bird Tours.

How to get to Saskatoon

Air: Saskatoon International Airport (YXE) is served by Air Canada, Westjet, and their partners United and Delta.

Train: Saskatoon’s  Train Station is served by Via Rail’s Canadian train serving Toronto, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Jasper and Vancouver.

Bus: Saskatoon – Edmonton and Saskatoon – Regina bus service

Car: Saskatoon is located on Canada’s Yellowhead cross-country highway plus 6 other major highways connecting with all cities in Canada and USA. If you drive, you do not need to rent a car for our tours.

Entering Canada

CLICK HERE for government regulations for entering Canada.
My recent fully vaccinated international clients tell me there are no significant delays at the border provided they have fully completed the ArriveCan app in advance.

Where to stay in Saskatoon?

Contact Tourism Saskatoon to help plan your visit.

Other Birding Tour Options

Click Here for information about other tours with Saskatoon Custom Bird Tours.

List of Potential Bird Species

Some of the birds that we might encounter include:

  • Common Goldeneye
  • Gray Partridge
  • Ruffed Grouse
  • Spruce Grouse
  • Sharp-tailed Grouse
  • Willow Ptarmigan
  • Bald Eagle
  • Golden Eagle
  • Northern Harrier
  • Northern Goshawk
  • Merlin
  • Gyrfalcon (rare)
  • Prairie Falcon
  • Eurasian Collared-Dove
  • Great Horned Owl
  • Snowy Owl
  • Northern Hawk Owl (rare)
  • Barred Owl
  • Great Gray Owl
  • Short-eared Owl
  • American 3-toed Woodpecker
  • Black-backed Woodpecker
  • Pileated Woodpecker
  • Northern Shrike
  • Canada Jay
  • Blue Jay
  • Black-billed Magpie
  • Common Raven
  • Boreal Chickadee
  • Bohemian Waxwing
  • Snow Bunting
  • Pine Grosbeak
  • White-winged Crossbill
  • Common Redpoll
  • Hoary Redpoll
  • Evening Grosbeak

Gift Certificates Available Now

These tours make excellent Christmas gifts, birthday gifts, anniversary gifts, graduation gifts.
CLICK HERE for more information.

Birding Tour Gift Certificates
CLICK PICTURE for details.

Bird Photography Workshops Registration Form

If you do not have a cell phone, enter your land line.
Mailing Address needed for tax receipt.