For over two decades, Randy Lauff, a Senior Laboratory Instructor in StFX’s Department of Biology, has been tracking owls in the forests of Nova Scotia. Now, his work is one of five ornithology projects featured in Bird Country, a 2026 documentary that premiered April 1st at the Al Whittle Theatre in Wolfville, NS.
The documentary, produced by Firefly Digital Media in association with Eastlink Community TV, explores bird migration, survival, and conservation along Nova Scotia’s coast.
For Mr. Lauff, being included was both unexpected and rewarding. “I was quite surprised and proud,” he reflected, describing the experience as “very satisfying.” After the premiere, he joined fellow ornithologists for a panel discussion.
Bird Country is supported by the Nova Scotia Film and Television Incentive Fund and the Government of Canada, and additional screenings are already planned, including one in Dartmouth on May 9.
Mr. Lauff has two phases to his work: the breeding season ecology of the Boreal Owl and Northern Saw-whet Owl; and he participates in monitoring the autumn migration of the Saw-whet. He discovered the first two nests of the Boreal Owl in Nova Scotia in 2004 and has since wondered how these two small owls split up the resources.
He says the folks at Firefly Digital heard of his work through a colleague. “They thought my project was different enough from the other four that it would fit well. The fact that my 11 year-old-son was heavily involved gave a twist on the work that none of the other projects had.”
Mr. Lauff says it is worthwhile to note that as a senior laboratory instructor, research is not part of his job. “I have been very fortunate that my current chair, Dr. Russell Wyeth, and all those before him, have been very supportive of my work. I frequently bring students with me, usually as volunteers, but my small grants sometimes have allowed me to pay students for outings.”
