News item

Saanich, BC – The votes have been tallied, and the Great Horned Owl has been named Saanich’s Official Bird — serving as a symbol of the importance of birds in our ecosystems, helping to bring awareness to birds in Saanich and representing Saanich as a Bird Friendly City in Canada.

This is on top of the CRD having recently been named the Birding Capital of Canada, showcasing just how many birds reap the benefits of a hospitable habitat such as ours.

Here are the final results:

• Great Horned Owl – 33.2%
• Bewick’s Wren – 27.3%
• Northern Flicker – 27.1%
• Cooper’s Hawk – 12.4%

“This win is a real feather in the cap for this beautiful bird which makes Saanich home,” says Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock. “It’s always exciting to spot an owl while out on a walk, or to hear a pair calling to each other in the evening. Congratulations to the Great Horned Owl — I know you’ll represent Saanich well as our Official Bird.”

“This contest was a great way to educate Saanich residents about the diversity of birds in our community and the role they play in healthy ecosystems,” says Cara Gibson, Executive Director, Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary. “Thank you to everyone who took part in this fun initiative – it was a real hoot!”

Learn more

Click here to learn more about why Saanich was recently re-certified as a bird-friendly community.

Click here to learn more about the Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary and how it fosters a greater understanding of nature through direct experience.

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Media contact:
Saanich Communications
media@saanich.ca

Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary
info@swanlake.bc.ca