Submitted by: John Bialecki, Sanctuary Chair
I was part of the Burrowing Owl monitoring project and I am please to report it was an effort well rewarded.
At first the 30 minute time frame used to monitor the activity (either am or pm) took some adjusting. On one occasion I did not observe any activity as I started too early. However, after adjusting the time, the owls and I were in sync.
The adult owls were observed on top of the small ridge which overlooked the den and did not appear nervous at all that I had set up approximately 65 yards away with my scope generously loaned to me by Donn Blake. I could not get further back due to the location of the den and the landscape which did not allow a clear view beyond 65 yards.
I noted week after week the appearance of the adults, their entry into and out of the burrow, and their behavior. Suddenly one night, when my wife Jan was there helping me observe, there appeared an owlet at the entrance to the burrow. Bingo! From that point on I noted how they began to grow in size and number. First 2, then 3, and suddenly two weeks later, a 4th appeared! They fledged, strutted and expanded their wings and flew on to the hunt. Quite a sight and quite a feeling having seen everything from the beginning.
Other observations included dirt bikes and motorcycle passing with 10 feet of the burrow which severely hindered my task as well as on one occasion two boys with pellet guns headed for the burrow and were stopped by yours truly with a loud yell. I believe the intent was not to do harm but curiosity. Also I heard an owl down the line let out its call to indicate this was his/her territory. In addition when leaving my site I walked past another site under observation and noted an adult burrowing owl on a post that I walked by within 8 feet and the owl simply swirled its head looking at me but did not move. Could this have been trust?
Yes, it was an effort to stake out and watch and 4 dollar gas didn’t help but the reward was worth it. I have a new and deeper understanding of the burrowing owl and its fight for survival. I can only wish that others could take advantage of a similar opportunity and know why I feel the the Burrowing Owl is on my top ten list of favorite birds.
John Bialecki – 09/28/08
