Cape Friends of Wildlife urging residents to assist city’s burrowing owl population
As Cape Coral continues to grow, residents have likely noticed the many construction projects taking place throughout the city — from utility expansion projects and road widening to sidewalk installations and new home construction. While these improvements are important for the community, they also reduce the open spaces that Cape Coral’s beloved burrowing owls rely on to build their homes.
The Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife has heard from many residents who are concerned about the impact of development on the city’s owl population. The good news is that there is a simple and effective way for residents to help.
As Cape Coral continues to develop, maintaining a healthy burrowing owl population will require a multi-pronged approach. Preserving habitat remains essential, but residents can also make a meaningful difference by installing starter burrows on their own property.
Yes-you can help create a future home for a burrowing owl family right in your own yard.
Many Cape Coral residents have already installed starter burrows, and many have been delighted when owls eventually move in. Sometimes it takes a few weeks, and sometimes it takes a few years, but residents consistently describe a sense of satisfaction and pride when they see they are helping Cape Coral’s owls, one burrow at a time.
A starter burrow is a simple way to provide burrowing owls with a potential nesting site. This year alone, CCFW volunteers have already helped more than 60 Cape Coral residents install starter burrows on their properties. Here’s how easy it is to get started:
• Choose a location in your front yard that is open, visible, and not prone to flooding.
• Dig an entrance hole 8-12 inches deep at about a 45-degree angle using a hand trowel or small shovel.
• Place the excavated dirt just outside the entrance to create a natural-looking mound.
• Add a simple T-perch (provided by CCFW) nearby to help attract the owls and give them a place to survey their surroundings.
Instructions for building and installing a starter burrow are available at ccfriendsofwildlife.org. Community members may also call CCFW at (239) 980-2593 to arrange for a volunteer to visit their home and assist with the installation.
In addition to encouraging starter burrows, CCFW raises funds that are used in partnership with Cape Coral Wildlife Trust to preserve wildlife habitat throughout Cape Coral. These efforts primarily benefit burrowing owls and gopher tortoises, two iconic species that depend on open, undeveloped land. To date, 91 lots have been preserved for wildlife by CCWT. Residents who would like to support these conservation efforts can make a tax-deductible donation through the CCFW website.