The public has spoken, and the great horned owl is the official bird of Saanich.
Known for its yellow eyes and deep hoots, the great horned owl won 33.2 per cent of the votes in a contest started in early May by the District of Saanich and the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary.
Close behind the owl were the Bewick’s wren at 27.3 per cent, the Northern flicker at 27.1 per cent and the Cooper’s hawk at 12.4 per cent.
The contest was intended to raise awareness of the importance of birds to ecosystems in the area, the district said, and of Saanich’s status as a “Bird Friendly City,” a certification developed by Nature Canada.
The Capital Regional District was recently named the Birding Capital of Canada, receiving the honour in May at Beacon Hill Park during National Bird Week.
The distinction came after the number of confirmed bird species found in the region reached 423 — higher than in Essex County, Ontario, home to popular birding destination Pointe Pelée.
Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock quipped that the great horned owl’s win is a “real feather in the cap for this beautiful bird.”
“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,” he said. “Congratulations to the Great Horned Owl — I know you’ll represent Saanich well as our official bird.”
Cara Gibson, executive director of the nature sanctuary, said the contest was a good way to educate Saanich residents about the diversity of birds in the municipality.
In November, Saanich was re-certified as a Bird Friendly City, one of 30 municipalities across the country with that title.
The designation involves committing to reducing threats to bird populations such as window collisions and habitat loss, as well as promoting education about conservation.
Coun. Judy Brownoff said at the time that being a Bird Friendly City ensures Saanich will stay “a welcoming place for our feathered friends.”
