PRESENTS
Recovering Burrowers
Writing and Photography by Emily Carter
In the most unlikely of places, and living in the ground, one can find an adorable creature. Hidden in plain sight, in flat, open habitats with sparse vegetation, this creature’s adaptability has allowed it to thrive in urban settings.
Found in Cape Coral, Marco Island, and Kissimmee, the Florida burrowing owl (a subspecies of Athene cunicularia) has claimed front yards, ball fields, golf courses, and even vacant urban lots as their home.
Cape Coral has become the unlikely capital of burrowing owl culture. The city hosts over a thousand nesting pairs and is considered to have one of the densest urban owl populations in the world. While the Florida burrowing owl is listed as a State Threatened Species, the conservation status of this little owl has been significantly improved with Cape Coral’s Conservation efforts.
Despite their adaptability, Florida burrowing owls face significant challenges. Habitat loss due to urban development is the primary threat to their survival. As natural prairies and open lands are converted into housing and commercial areas, suitable nesting sites become scarce. Because of these pressures, the species is classified as threatened in Florida and is protected by law.
Unlike most other owls, burrowing owls live in underground burrows which protect them from predators and the intense Florida heat. Mottled in color, they blend into their environment and with their bright yellow eyes, they are on constant lookout for trouble.
Visiting Cape Coral’s owls is a true pleasure for me. Part of the adventure is driving around town in search of a little brown owl tucked in a hole where a perch has been installed. If I’m lucky, one might be standing on the perch with watchful eyes. Sitting on the ground, I’m able to enter their world, both of us keeping an eye on each other, all the while on alert for predators.
Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect these birds. Organizations and local communities have worked to preserve habitats, install artificial burrows, and educate the public about keeping a safe distance from nesting sites.
Protecting burrowing owls not only helps maintain biodiversity but also preserves an important part of Florida’s natural heritage.
Writing and Photography by Emily Carter
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