Little Burrowing Owls

Burrowing owls!  I love them!  They are so cute!

Our little community has the distinction of having the largest population of the Florida species of the Burrowing Owl in the State, with an estimated 1000 nesting pair. They are here all year round…they do not migrate! 

They are very small!

Which is why I think they are so cute! 

 

At only a little over 7 inches tall, the Burrowing Owl is one of the smallest of all the owls! They are the only owl that digs their own burrow so of course they live underground.  Some owls in the West live in abandoned prairie dog burrows, but not these little guys.  

 

One can tell where there are Burrowing Owls in neighborhoods by the little stakes with perches, that are stuck around the burrowing hole.

 

Photographers and birders alike come from all over the world to see our Burrowing Owls, and everyone is amazed at how easy it is to see and photograph these beautiful little birds. 

 

  I snapped the below picture about a block from our home! As you can see there are 6 or 7 burrows! And the little owls perch or stand atop their burrows as if waiting for a picture-taking. Don’t know if you can see it, but there is a little owl perched on the protection sign.

 

The signs you see show the nest area is a protected area…and yes, there are times these little owls are burrowing where a home-builder would like to build a home.  BUT, the home-builder doesn’t get to build on the lot until the little owls are gone….or they can get permits and through paperwork by the tons, red tape, etc …the home owner may get to relocate the little furry birds. The best time to see the owls is from January through June, and the best time to see the chicks is late April through June.

Florida has many endangered and protected species including the Panther, Manatee and yes, even Bears!  I invite you to come to our little part of the world to see the many birds and animals!  You won’t be disappointed!

 

 

Love to all my Blogger Buddies!

 

I hope you are having a wonderful day!

 

 

Me

 

http://www.ccfriendsofwildlife.org/