THE FLORIDA BURROWING OWL

CAPE CORAL’S CLAIM TO FAME

Written by: Kathy Ann Gre

The Sunshine State is home to many species of birds that are found nowhere else, but one of the cutest ones is the Athene cunicularia floridan—the Florida burrowing owl.

Small, long-legged owls that average 9 inches in height, they have large yellow eyes and a white chin. Their body color pattern helps them blend in with the vegetation in their habitat. The owls sport brown-black feathers with patches of white spots, and a white underside with brown bar-shaped spots.

Florida burrowing owls live in open, treeless areas and spend most of their time on the ground. Unlike other owls, they are active during the daytime (diurnal) rather than at night (nocturnal) throughout their breeding season, which typically runs from about Feb. 15 to July 10. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, “During the non-breeding season, they become more nocturnal.” ese owls can dig their own nests but they o en use the burrows of gopher tortoises or armadillos, whose burrows can run as long as 10 feet. e female Florida burrowing owl will lay up to eight e s within a week’s time period, which she will then incubate for up to 28 days. e male stands guard over the burrow for hours at a time. e hatchlings are white-feathered and do not appear outside of the nest for two weeks. Flying lessons start when they are 4 weeks old. However, they will not fly well until they are approximately 6 weeks of age. ese juveniles stay with the parents until they are able to sustain themselves, which is usually around 12 weeks of age. e city of Cape Coral, in Southwest Florida’s Lee County, has the well-deserved nickname of “ e Burrowing Owl Capital of the World.” With some 2,500 burrows located within the city limits, there are estimated to be 1,000 breeding pair that reside there. us it comes as no surprise that the city of Cape Coral adopted the Athene cunicularia floridan as the “O cial City Bird” at its city council meeting on Sept. 6, 2005. e scientific name of this cute avian comes from the Greek word “athene,” which refers to the Greek goddess of wisdom whose favorite bird was—you guessed it!—the owl, and the Latin word “cunicularia.” at means a miner or burrower.

Birders and photographers from throughout the world visit Cape Coral annually to view these tiny and easily seen creatures. City o cials and the local Friends of Wildlife have published Rules of Engagement/ Viewing Etiquette. e rules are basically common sense—keep your distance from the owls, and do not feed the owls—and are necessary for the wellbeing of this state-threatened species.

It bo les the mind that the “Do Not Feed” rule has to be further explained with the following information: e diet of the Florida burrowing owl “consists of mice, roaches, small snakes, anoles and frogs, and NOT crackers, peanuts, granola bars or McDonald’s French fries.”

Be sure to add the viewing of Florida’s smallest owl to your bucket list. And, of course, be sure to follow Rules of Engagement/Viewing Etiquette to help them thrive! FCM

Elise Faulk of Freeport, Florida

Best Friend’s Name: Mellow Yellow

Best Friend’s Breed: Haflinger cross

My best friend is a patient and forgiving horse named Mellow Yellow. I am 10 years old and sometimes have a lot of anxiety and my buddy Mellow does just that! He calms me and mellows me out. I feel I can cope with anything life throws at me with his sweet nature! Equine therapy at its best. Mellow is always happy to see me and I love his heartwarming nicker to greet me every time.

Stephanie Rooks of Bradenton, Florida

Best Friend’s Name: Scooby Doo; aka Scoobers

Best Friend’s Breed: American Bulldog mix

We rescued our Scooby Doo from the local animal shelter. When the volunteer brought him out, I called his name and he sat right in front of me and handed me his paw. He had my heart from that moment. He was listed as an “owner surrender” and to this day I have no idea why, but glad he landed in our home and especially my heart. He’s the “bestest” boy! Never leaves my side.

Trish Grant of Darby, Florida

Best Friend’s Name: Gus Gus

Best Friend’s Breed: Registered purebred Brahma bull (also halter broke)

Gus Gus is a purebred Brahma bull. He’s absolutely the best! I can be having a crazy, hectic day and seeing him just makes me happy! He’s a huge, big ol’ bull who thinks he can go anywhere with me! He’s the best daddy, too, and makes some beautiful calves! Love my Gus Gus; aka Double Gus.

Linda Floyd of Cape Coral, Florida

Best Friend’s Name: Tristan

Florida Country Magazine runs a “My Best Friend” contest on Facebook every other month, for each issue of the magazine. 2 3 4

Best Friend’s Breed: Appaloosa

Tristan is an answer to a lifelong dream. I have always had a love of horses but was never blessed with my own. However, at age 65, three years ago my dream came to fruition. He means everything

5 to me. He nickers when he sees me, he has carried me out of the isolation of COVID, on trail rides we experience the beauty of God, and he has brought all sorts of new friends into my life. He has also forced me out of my comfort zone entering horse shows and winning ribbons. I’m blessed.

Connie Brewer of Naples, Florida

Best Friend’s Name: Comit

Best Friend’s Breed: Pot Belly pig

My granddaughter, Kilynn Beebe, sure loved her pig, Comit, but had to move away and leave him behind. But on this day, I was taking fall pictures of Kilynn—and Comit came over to join us ... It’s a little girl’s love for her pig and/or a pig’s love for his little girl!

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Stacey Taylor of Bell, Florida

Best Friend’s Name: Gizmo

Best Friend’s Breed: Calico cat

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