Florida Burrowing Owls: Conservation, Urban Habitat and the Need to Protect Florida's Largest Burrowing Owl Population.

A juvenile Florida burrowing owl stands on a Cape Coral sidewalk. (photo by Devon Matthews)

Cape Coral, holds the largest population of burrowing owls in Florida. It's also a city that has been experiencing unprecedented growth, while great for their economy, it’s disastrous for the wildlife, especially species that thrive in open, treeless areas. Being the smallest burrowing bird of prey in the americas, they are in a delicate situation. As its habitat shrinks; currently designated by the state as "threatened," this small bird is an essential part of the ecosystem and deserves protection. So local residents and conservationists are teaming up to address the issue.

Two burrowing owls (one standing, one perched) outside their burrow amid ongoing development. (photo by Devon Matthews)

These Owls that are typically found in flat, prairie type land, have had to adapt to survive in neighborhoods, next to sidewalks, near construction, and other manmade structures that all come with their own set of manmade threats. This proximity to humans leaves them vulnerable to passing cars (they are low flying), household pets, and their food supply (mice) being contaminated with pest control agents. Some cases of poisoning even being purposeful.

A Florida burrowing owl sits atop concrete in a construction site.(Photo by Devon Matthews)

Pascha Donaldson of the CCFW after helping clear a starter burrow. (Photo by Devon Matthews)

Thus, the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife hopes to prevent further decline of this unique ground-dwelling bird by pushing for citizen intervention: caring citizens are dedicating space in their yards as habitat and welcome Burrowing Owls in as neighbors through "Starter Burrows", which they will start themselves (or with the help of CCFW).

A family of burrowing owls sit outside their burrow in the front of home in Cape Coral, FL. 1 adult (far left) & 3 juveniles (right) (photo by Devon Matthews)

A burrowing owls sits atop a T-perch in the yard of a Cape Coral home. (Photo by Devon Matthews)

 Outside of the man-made threats, these Owls also face catastrophic natural events, example, Hurricane Ian. Being ground dwellers, they face immense challenges with flooded burrows and land destruction.  

Active owl burrow in the median of a parking lot. PVC posts and signs used by the CCFW to mark, track and protect active burrows. (Photo by Devon Matthews)

Healthy human-wildlife dynamics are becoming increasingly more and more important, especially, in cities like Cape Coral. The need to protect Florida's largest burrowing owl population will remain important. But, as long as empathatic residents continue stepping up for the burrowing owls and the other wildlife that shares space with them, there's hope!

A Florida Burrowing Owl uses a pole at a local park as camouflage. (Photo by Devon Matthews)

If you'd like to read my article with National Wildlife Magazine click below:

https://www.nwf.org/Magazines/National-Wildlife/2023/Summer/Conservation/Burrowing-Owls-Florida

You can donate or adopt a burrowing owl in Cape Coral below:

https://ccfriendsofwildlife.org/support/adopt-an-owl/

(I am not sponsored by or paid by CCFW)

Thanks for reading

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