High above the prairie, life takes flight — and sometimes, we get the rare chance to see it up close. In this episode of Backroad Stories, we join a local team of researchers near Morse, Saskatchewan as they carefully band great horned owlets.
More than a scientific process, banding is a moment of awe. With quiet hands and steady focus, each young owl is measured, tagged, and returned safely to its nest. For those who take part, it’s an intimate glimpse into the hidden world of raptors, one that sparks both wonder and responsibility.
This film explores what it means to encounter wildness at close range. These owlets are not pets or props; they are symbols of resilience, carrying the spirit of the prairies into the skies.
Backroad Stories: Banding Day on the Prairie reminds us that even in a vast landscape, life is fragile, precious, and worth protecting.
Alongside the film, we’ve shared a few moments from the day in pictures. One of the most moving for me personally (George Tsougrianis) was holding a young great horned owlet in my hands — a reminder of just how fragile and alive these birds are up close.
We also had the rare opportunity to glimpse a ferruginous hawk nest, a striking contrast to the owlets and a testament to the diversity of raptors that call the prairie home.
Every owl banded, every nest observed, is part of a bigger story about resilience on the prairies. If these stories move you, consider joining us on Patreon so we can continue to share, protect, and celebrate the landscapes and communities that make this place extraordinary.
