Burrowing owl census volunteers sought
Cape Coral’s official bird will be tallied again, marking its second annual census.
The Florida burrowing owl is no stranger to Cape residents, with more than 2,500 burrows scattered around the city they call home.
Senior Recreation Specialist of Cape Coral Parks and Recreation, Honey Phillips, is using her 10 years of experience to lead the way on counting these cute and unique species found in the Cape more than anywhere else in the state.
“The first census of these owls was done last year by a student at FGCU; now we hope to continue it for many years to come,” Phillips said.
In November of 2016, these small birds were upgraded to threatened and the owls, their eggs, their young and active nests are protected under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
“This is our city bird,” Phillips said about why these owls are important, “People come from all over the world to take pictures of our not-so-shy friends. It brings in a lot of eco-tourism. Everyone here loves them.”
With Cape Coral ever-growing, Phillips has her reservations about the number of burrowing owls they may see this time around.
“Expecting a decline,” she said.
“With the ongoing development and Hurricane Irma striking this past year, we’re expecting a drop off in nests around the area. They like to live in empty lots and we’re seeing a lot of empty lots becoming used for other things, causing the owls to move homes. Increased population and traffic also plays a part.”
Other than vacant lots, you may see burrowing owls in dry prairies, pastures, agricultural fields, airports, parks and golf courses.
Burrowing owls are the only species of 171 owls that live underground, making them more susceptible to predators and enhancing the risk of having their burrows destroyed.
The owls dig these burrows for protection and, of course, nesting.
Burrows can be spotted in usually dry areas, circular in shape, usually 3-6 inches in width, with debris decorating the entrance during breeding season (February-July).
Burrowing owls may use abandoned gopher tortoise or armadillo burrows, as well as man-made structures.
Phillips is hoping to have at least 100 volunteers, working in teams of two, slowly surveying the city for owls and their burrows.
Packets containing information about the owls, what to look for and how to spot them will be available before the census.
“Cape Coral is a big area to cover, the more people we have the better. We will provide city wide maps to record any owls and burrows. Volunteers will mark the locations and input it on a GPS map,” said Phillips.
The census will take place on June 9, with volunteers meeting at 7:30 a.m. at Rotary Park at 5505 Rose Garden Road.
This census is a tool to protect burrowing owls.
“This helps us protect the species, if we know where they are, we can do our best to make sure they are not disturbed,” she added.
It is an ongoing process to protect these petite birds, with many laws in place to safeguard them.
Molesting, harassing or killing an owl, as well as damaging, filling and destroying a burrow are all a crime and may incur a third degree penalty. Permits are needed to develop land close to these burrows.
“If you notice anything or suspect violations, please contact the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission,” Phillips urged of Cape residents.
If you are not able to be a volunteer for the census, but want to help the burrowing owls, perhaps helping the little guys out with a starter burrow is the way to contribute.
“The Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife can come and dig a small starter burrow for the owls to use. We usually look for a soft, sandy-like spot in the dirt in the front yard and also add a T-perch for them to use to help scour for prey,” said Phillips.
The Cape Coral Wildlife Trust was also created to help protect all threatened species in our area, including the burrowing owls. Donations of land that is habitat for burrowing owls and other indigenous species are greatly sought, asare cash donations.
Phillips says becoming a member of Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife is another great way to get involved as well, who offer educational programs as well.
For more information on the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife, visit ccfriendsofwildlife.org.
To report violations, call the FWC 24-hour hotline at 1-888-404-3922.
To report an injured or wounded owl, call Clinic Rehab of Wildlife at 239-472-3644.