04-24-2011 – Burrowing Owl Babies on Marco Island

The spring of 2011, we frequently enjoyed the drive out to Marco Island to spot the latest happenings at the burrow sites of the burrowing owls. Marco Island has the second largest population of nesting burrowing owls in Florida.

Burrowing owls are a little bigger than a robin. They have long legs and adorable expressions. Although not endangered in Florida, they are a species of significant concern due to habitat destruction. Marco Island is very protective of the underground nesting sites. Both the city and numerous volunteers are actively involved in blocking off each site with rope and in daily  monitoring of nesting activities.

So you have a better understanding of this very interesting little owl, here a few web sites:  Wikipedia,  Defenders of Wildlife, Burrowing Owl Conservation Network.

On Marco Island, it is not difficult to discover a burrowing owl nest site. Each one is marked off with a plastic rope and includes a t-bar stand. If the nest site is active during the spring breeding season, the male will be seen guarding the nest. Occasionally the female will also be seen. The male is ever diligent guarding the burrow at all hours and in all weather conditions.

In a previous post, we included a picture of a male burrowing owl, guarding the burrow. Here is a repeat of that photo:

A few weeks after we snapped the male owl above, the baby burrowing owls emerged from the nesting den. The two are both babies, but the darker one is older. Here are a few photos of the babies at two nesting sites. to show adorableness in action.

We hope you have enjoyed our baby owl pictures. If so, leave us a comment so we know you were here!!!