The following email was sent to local and regional media outlets. Both
the OPP and the MNR concerned about safety issues related to the viewing
of the Kingsville Great Gray Owl. Please paid due attention. Viewing
this bird is a privilege not a right. Be responsible.
Mark Cranford
Ontbirds Coordinator
Mississauga, ON
mark.cranf...@ofo.ca
-----Original Message-----
From: Tonial, Ricardo (JUS) [mailto:ricardo.ton...@ontario.ca]
Sent: Tuesday, January 10, 2012 11:06 AM
Subject: OWL - Media
January 10th, 2012
Kingsville - The presence of an OWL in the Kingsville area has drawn
attention from all over the Country and USA. Nature lovers have flocked
to the area in attempts to get a view of this OWL. Unfortunately, some
of these watchers are failing to stay safe while attending the area.
The OPP would like to inform the citizens to park their vehicles in safe
and lawful locations. As well as, ensuring that they position
themselves and their viewing equipment in safe locations. The OPP have
received numerous reports of dangerous conditions created by some of
these bird watchers.
The following is a release sent on behalf of the Ministry of the Natural
Resources.
"A Great Grey Owl has been residing in Essex County since before
Christmas, and has provided birders with the opportunity to see and
photograph this beautiful bird up close. This species is not considered
rare in Ontario, but it is rare to see one in south-western Ontario.
Great Grey Owls are protected under the Fish & Wildlife Conservation
Act. The MNR advises people to stay 30-40 meters away from this bird
and other raptors to reduce potential stress on the bird and avoid
possible human-wildlife conflict."
Any questions concerning the Owl and habitat can be directed to:
Cale Selby
A/District Strategic Officer
Ministry of Natural Resources
615 John Street North
Aylmer, ONN5H 2S8
519-773-4790
Any questions concerning public safety can be directed to Sgt Rick Tonial
Essex County OPP
Media Officer
Sgt Rick Tonial
--
Mark Cranford
ONTBIRDS Coordinator
Mississauga, Ont.
mark.cranf...@ofo.ca
905 279 9576
_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
birding organization.
Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca
For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
