owl watch
Photo © Jean Hall
Owl Watch is a citizen-science, volunteer-based project founded to help monitor and protect the Burrowing Owls of Marco Island, FL. Under the guidance of Audubon Western Everglades (AWE) and our partners at the University of Florida (UF), we train and mentor volunteers in conducting scientific surveys to measure nesting success and track changes in the population of Burrowing Owls in Marco Island over time.
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Owl Watch was founded in 2016 on the concerns of Marco Island citizens and their love for the Burrowing Owls, and its success now depends on collaboration with our partners, including the City of Marco Island, UF-IFAS, dedicated volunteers, and caring citizens like you, your family, and your friends.
Monitoring & Protecting Owls
meet the florida
burrowing owl
Gentle, Threatened Birds
Burrowing Owls are water bottle-sized birds, standing 7-10″ tall, and weighing 5-9 oz, or
about as much as a baseball. These small owls spend the breeding season (February-July)
in and around their burrows, which they typically dig themselves. Male owls can often be
seen standing on a nearby perch or at the burrow entrance, watching vigilantly for
predators or passing prey while females and young chicks stay below ground. Outside nesting season, Burrowing Owls seek shelter in a variety of places outside their burrow, like shrubs, trees, porches, and dry culverts.
The Florida Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia floridana) is a non-migratory subspecies of the wide-ranging Burrowing Owl. Historically, these owls occupied Florida’s expansive prairies north of the everglades.
However, most of these historic grasslands have been developed.Today Burrowing Owls can be found on prairie remnants and pastures throughout the state, as well as in several coastal cities.
Unlike Western Burrowing Owls that inhabit the abandoned burrows dug by other animals, Florida Burrowing Owls typically dig their own burrows. These burrows consist of a 5-12′ tunnel, dipping down as much as 3′ below the surface, and ending in a large nest chamber. Here, the female will lay 1-7 eggs and incubate them for about a month. Once the eggs hatch, both parents hunt to feed their chicks. Owls eat a wide array of prey including beetles, small snakes, Cuban tree frogs, songbirds, crayfish, lizards, spiders, and other invertebrates. Unlike most owls, Burrowing Owls are active during the day, though they hunt mostly at night.
The threat to burrowing owls
In 2016, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission placed Florida's Burrowing Owls on their Threatened list. Urban owls have diminished due to vehicle collisions, predation or injury by domestical animals, and burrow destruction from mowers or other equipment.
Rural owls are not immune to threats. Their once-protected habitat has been compromised by the lure of hazardous environments that mimic their native environment - such as those undergoing redevelopment activities (vegetation clearning) - but actually put them at risk.
Both Burrowing Owls and their burrows are protected by law. The presence of owls does NOT prohibit the development of a property. If Burrowing Owls or their burrow are present, an incidental Take Permit is required. With the permit, a Registered Agent can remove burrows if no eggs or flightless checks are present, and construction can then begin.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Audubon Western Everglades is committed to restoring protected areas for these Threatened birds to nest, breed, and flourish. Here are some ways our collaboration with citizens, volunteers, and partners are making a difference:
how we keep watch
Photo © Jean Hall
Monitoring
The work of volunteers on Marco Island helps biologists chart and protect burrowing owls. More>
Maintenance
Learn the various ways Owl Watch volunteers help maintain a safe habitat for burrowing owls. More>
Research
AWE supports research crucial to the conservation of Southwest Florida's Burrowing Owls. More>
MONITORING BURROWING OWLS
Throughout the nesting season (February – July), over 76 volunteers monitor 366 burrow sites on Marco Island. Each week, these volunteers survey for adult owls, chicks emerging from the burrows, banded individuals, new burrows, and city code violations threatening owl burrows. From their efforts, we can determine the number of nesting pairs and the number of chicks they fledge each year. Data collected by Owl Watch volunteers is used by UF biologists to track changes in Marco Island’s
Burrowing Owl population over time.
maintenance
If you drive around Marco Island, you will see postings of Burrowing Owl burrows in almost every neighborhood. A small group of specially trained Owl Watch volunteers are responsible for posting perches and PVC and rope fencing around new burrows and maintaining them throughout the year. These postings protect burrows that are vulnerable to collapse by lawnmowers and vehicles. We hire specially trained landscapers to safely trim the grass within the postings during the non-breeding season, at no charge to landowners.
Landowners are responsible for preventing the collapse of any owl burrow on their property, and violations can incur steep fines from FWC, whether the collapse was intentional or unintentional. These postings around burrows help alert contractors, landscapers, and citizens to the locations of burrows vulnerable to collapse, providing peace of mind to landowners and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
research
Photo © Jean Hall
Audubon of the Western Everglades and Owl Watch support the research of graduate students from the University of Florida in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. Current research is looking at burrowing owl space use, population genetics, and nesting site selection. This research is providing government agencies, conservation practitioners, and landowners with vital information about the Burrowing Owls that will be essential to the conservation of this threatened species.
why researchers band owls
Photo © Jean Hall
AWE has partnered with the Rangeland Wildlife Lab at the University of Florida (UF-IFAS) to learn more about the Burrowing Owls of Marco Island. Burrowing Owls are being banded as part of a UF study across Southwest Florida. Each owl receives a unique combination of three plastic color bands and one metal band issued by the federal Bird Banding Laboratory at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). These bands allow researchers and volunteers to identify individual owls throughout nesting season and from year to year. Data collected from sightings of these banded owls are used to answer questions about Burrowing Owl lifespan, reproductive success, dispersal, and survival, which are essential to the conservation of this threatened species. Click to learn more about UF’s research. .
9 ways you can help
burrowing owls
Urban Burrowing Owls primarily reside on vacant lots amid developing neighborhoods. Population strongholds like Marco Island and Cape Coral are facing a multitude of threats as open space is developed. But, there are many things you can do at home to help conserve Burrowing Owls into the future. Check out the list below for 9 ways you can help!
join the owl watch team of volunteers
Owl Watch and Audubon Western Everglades are always looking for volunteers! Whether you have a background in fundraising, management, design, biology, or just want to help birds and other wildlife, we have a way you can help. Our volunteers help run events, shorebird stewardship, owl monitoring, office logistics, and many other tasks. Are you interested in volunteering? Email the AWE staff at audubonwe@live.com and they will help find a project that fits your interests.
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volunteer
Photo © Jean Hall
rewarding ways to make a financial gift
Audubon of the Western Everglades provides Owl Watch with technical, logistical, and financial support. AWE is funded entirely on donations. Without the generosity of our donors, none of our work would be possible. Here are a few ways your can support our program financially:
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Owl Patrons: Annual Support of our Owl Watch Program
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One-Time Gift: Every Dollar helps Owl Watch
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Amazon Wish List: Purchase Specific needed Items On Our List
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Adopt an Owl: Sponsor an Owl on Our Watch - see more below.
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donate
keep human food away from owls
Not feeding wildlife is a simple way to protect your local Burrowing Owls, beach-nesting birds, and all the other wildlife of Marco Island. Despite the good intentions, feeding wildlife is not ethical. And on Marco Island, feeding wildlife is strictly prohibited in the city’s Code of Ordinances.
Owls are carnivores and will not eat bread, vegetables, or any other human food left in their burrows. Leaving these items attracts predators of owls. Feeding wildlife habituates animals to unnaturally close contact with humans and reinforces these harmful behaviors. Continued contact with humans can lead to wildlife being euthanized. Keeping trash receptacles closed and not placing food at burrows can make a big difference.
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do not feed wildlife
help make a safe home for owls
As vacant lots are developed, Burrowing Owls are forced to move to new locations. AWE is currently researching the space requirements of the owls, and whether owls can be encouraged to inhabit smaller green spaces – like corners of lawns – by attracting owls to nest in starter burrows.
If you’re interested in getting your own Starter Burrow, please email us at owlwatchmarco@gmail.com.
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install starter burrows
drive with care at night
Every year, volunteers and members of the public bring many Burrowing Owls to the Von Arx Wildlife Hospital because of car collisions.
Burrowing Owls are active at the burrows during the day, however, they hunt primarily at night. Owls are often seen at night hunting beetles around porch lights and car headlights. By driving slowly,
you can reduce the likelihood of hitting a Burrowing Owl.
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night driving care
cats are predators of birds- including owls!
Feral and outdoor cats are another one of Burrowing Owl’s main predators.
Cats prey on both adults and chicks. Regardless of how much cats are fed by humans, they still kill songbirds, lizards, native rodents, snakes, and owls.
By keeping cats indoors, you can help save countless lives of native wildlife, and also keep your pet safe from cars and other predators.
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keep cats indoors
pesticides & rodenticides
kill owls!
The pesticides and poisons we use in our environment have many unseen impacts. In particular, poisons can bioaccumulate (build up) or cause secondary poisonings (poisoning from eating a poisoned animal). Rodenticides are anticoagulants that take time to work. Poisoned rodents are active in the environment for a while before they die, leaving them lethargic and easy prey for owls, other predators, and pets.
Owls, hawks, and other predators suffering from rodenticide poisoning are frequently brought to wildlife hospitals, and many do not survive. These deaths are 100% preventable. Using alternative rodent control methods, like traps, can make a difference in the lives of countless native predators.
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limit pesticides
& rat poisons
owls need safe land to burrow in and thrive.
Available habitat for Burrowing Owls and other wildlife is dwindling in Florida, especially in coastal urban and suburban areas. If you can make a gift of land to be conserved into the future, or want to contribute to land acquisition, please email the staff of Audubon Western Everglades at audubonwe@live.com
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contribute to conservation land acquisition
you can make a difference!
Each season, Owl Watch needs funds to purchase materials for
posting new burrows, hire trained professional landscapers to
weed-whack postings, and buy supplies to continue our
community outreach and education.
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By *symbolically adopting a Burrowing Owl, you can help fund the critical needs of the Owl Watch program on Marco Island.
adopt an owl*
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adopt an owl
Symbolically adopting one of the adorable burrowing owls under the watchful care of our team is not only a way to support our work and protect these amazing birds; it provides a tangible and rewarding
connection to them and their offspring.
Multiple Levels of Adoption
Adoptions are annual. You can adopt an owl at one of four different levels of support:
1. Level 1 Adoption:
$100
2. Level 2 Adoption
$250
3. Level 3 Patron
$500
4. Level 4 Patron
$1000
Adoption Makes A Great Gift
Depending on the level of adoption, donors can receive one or more of the following acknowledgment gifts and recognition:
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An adoption certificate (all)
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Your adopted owl’s photo (all)
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Your owl’s nesting season summary (all)
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Burrowing owl fact sheet (all)
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Linen notecards w/owl photography (Level 2+)
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Plush Owl Puppet (2+)
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Special recognition on our website (Level 3+)
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Recognition in our annual report (Level 3+)
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Name an Owl (Level 4)
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Private guided tour (for 4) of burrows (Level 4)
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Lunch with an AWE team member (Level 4)
Give Us Some Love :)
will you adopt me?
Photo © Jean Hall
Mr. Hoot was banded on April 22, 2019 on the playground of Tommie Barfield Elementary School, Marco Island. He lost his mate named Fluffy, but has found a new mate named Mrs. Hoot! This pair is extremely tolerant of the children playing and running around their burrows. The students in our Burrow Buddies Club are excellent at educating fellow classmates. Last season, one of the students spotted a chick that fell into the drainpipe. It was rescued and fencing was installed by the maintenance crew to prevent any others from getting trapped.
Photo © Jean Hall
Ocean Jr., offspring of Ocean and Moana, was spotted exactly one mile away from where he was raised. He quickly found a burrow site and mate of his own and already produced one chick! He was banded as a fledgling with our code OX- (orange over metal) on August 6, 2022. On March 7, 2023, we were able to recapture him and give him his adult combination for a unique ID.
Photo © Jean Hall
Hootdini established his territory at a starter burrow as a fledgling. We watched him struggle to find a mate for his first nesting season with females only visiting at night. Late in the season he finally secured a mate. Sadly right after their chicks fledged she was found deceased at the burrow. Testing results confirmed rat poisoning was the cause of death. He continued to work hard decorating his burrow and found a new mate for the next season.
Photo © Jean Hall
The IT Girl, Hootdini's new mate was able to successfully nest with him and produce four chicks this season. The whole family is doing well. The owner of this starter burrow has made it his mission to spread the word of alternatives to rat poison to everyone on his street.
Crescent Beach Boy was spotted at Crescent Beach Condominiums last year under their boardwalk every day. The manager of the condo agreed to remove their rat poison and allowed us to install a starter burrow in the dune. They have been using C02 traps for rodent control. CBB remained a bachelor for his first season while using the starter burrow. When one of our oldest known banded owls, Ocean, disappeared, CBB took over his territory and his mate Moana near Resident's Beach. Sadly Moana also disappeared, but he found a new mate, JJ. They currently reside in a massive abandoned gopher tortoise burrow.
When one of our oldest known banded owls, Ocean, disappeared, CBB took over his territory and his mate Moana near Resident's Beach. Sadly Moana also disappeared, but he found a new mate in JJ. They currently reside in a massive, abandoned gopher tortoise burrow. Such tragedy led to love. Won't you adopt JJ!
Mulan found a starter burrow with a mate in 2023. After her chicks fledged, her mate disappeared. Surprisingly for a female, she stayed at her burrow and a new male came to her territory! Coincidentally this new mate also disappeared after her chicks this season fledged. Mulan continues to stand her ground and spends most of her days on the light post by the door of the house. Due to one of her chicks dying of rat poison, this starter burrow owner has spread the word down her Cul de Sac to use alternatives.
Kevin was banded on April 21, 2023 as a chick. He was an orphan that was found and taken to CROW-Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife. They reached out to us to find a suitable owl family to foster the chick. He successfully fledged with 6 other chicks and was spotted this season at a new burrow as an adult looking for a mate! We were able to recapture him for an adult band. He is officially O1 and we are excited to track him through the nesting season.
owl watch partners
We Are In Such Good Company
Want to see your logo here? Become a Level 4 Owl Patron>
owl merchandise
Share that you care in a visible way.
AWE Owl T-Shirt
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Dry-fit, no-wrinkle fabric
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Child sizes S-L ($15)
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Adult sizes S-XL ($20)
Note Cards
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5-Pack cards + envelopes
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5 Unique Owl Images
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Premium linen stock
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Deckled edge
Our Owl merchandise is more than fun to look at or fashionable to wear - 100% of the profits from AWE merchandise fund the Owl Watch program.
These items make excellent gifts.
The AWE Shop, where you can purchase AWE Owl Watch and other cool AWE merchandise.