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.

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The Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife hopes to prevent further decline of this unique ground-dwelling bird by pushing for citizen intervention: caring citizens must dedicate 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).

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​Since this city holds the largest population of the Florida Burrowing Owls, it's important to maintain its numbers.  Outside of the man-made threats, these Owls also face catastrophic natural events, recently, Hurricane Ian. With them ground dwellers, they face immense challenges with flooded burrows and land destruction.  

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“Wildlife, such as the burrowing owl, is being lost everyday by the thousands due to development.”

  -Pascha Donaldson CCFW