Big Year 2025 update - Owls

Snowy Owl - Species #100 for my NL Big Year

Since my last post, my birding adventure have taken me far from the windswept coast of Labrador — all the way to the stunning Santa Marta region of northern Colombia!

Colombia has long been number one on my bucket list, and this 12-day birding tour far exceeded my expectations. Each day was filled with unforgettable moments — incredible new species, breathtaking scenery, and the warm hospitality of amazing people. The culture, the food, and the sheer variety of birds made it a trip to remember. There’s nothing quite like a tropical birding adventure to lift the spirits after a mentally draining Labrador winter.

Caribou near Boat Harbour

Speaking of winter, it was in full gear when I returned home on February 13. My first order of business? Finding species number 100 for my Big Year list!

I’d hoped to reach that milestone in January, but on February 20, a lunchtime drive to Grassy Point near Forteau finally did the trick. Near the turnaround at the end of the road, there it was — a Snowy Owl roosting in a woodpile! After several January attempts, persistence paid off.

But that wasn’t the biggest highlight.

On March 3, I got a text from Glenda, a local backyard bird enthusiast here in Forteau. Attached was a photo — a Boreal Owl, #101! This was a bird I’d long hoped to photograph, ever since my last attempt in 2017 ended in disaster. (The owl was fine, but my camera wasn’t after I accidentally gave it a coffee bath!)

Boreal Owl

After what felt like the longest 90-minute work commitment ever, I raced over, fingers crossed. Thankfully, the owl was still perched in a spruce when I pulled into her driveway — a moment of pure relief and excitement.

Purple Finch

I stopped by the next day hoping for another look, but no owl this time. No disappointment, though — a stunning Purple Finch, #102, was at her feeder alongside an American Tree Sparrow, both fantastic Labrador winter additions.

banded Redpoll
American Tree Sparrow

The rest of March will likely be spent prepping for Snow Bunting banding season and balancing some work commitments — all while eagerly awaiting spring migration. While you're waiting, here are a few photo highlights from Colombia:

Crowned Woodnymph
Sword-billed Hummingbird

Collared Aracari

Bogota Rail

Colombian Red Howler Monkey


Stay tuned!

Vernon


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