
In 2017, Owl Watch volunteers counted 169 pairs of owls nesting in Marco Island. Of those pairs, 116 successfully raised 317 chicks.
Burrowing owls are not able to dig through thick landscape grass, so most lawns on Marco Island are inaccessible to nesting. Burrowing owls can be encouraged to move to your property by installing a starter burrow. Preferably, starter burrows are dug in an open lawn, safe from curious pets and away from trees, shrubs, and buildings. Starter burrows are easy to integrate into a residential landscape, and can be incorporated into some suitable gardens.

Burrowing owls like a bit of vegetation around their burrow but will abandon a burrow with overgrown grass and weeds.

Join the Starter Burrow Program by installing a starter burrow in your residential landscape. Photos by Jean Hall
Brad Cornell of AWE wants everybody to know that both owls and landowners can coexist on Marco Island. Having burrowing owls in your neighborhood or as part of your landscape shouldn’t be feared, but should be viewed as an amazing asset to the city. In addition to being a major draw for birdwatchers and tourists, burrowing owls provide a service to residents by eating rodents, lizards and insects, including roaches and mole crickets.
Karol Tenace, assistant manager for the AWE Owl Watch Program, is optimistic for the future of burrowing owls in Marco Island. In exchange for providing owls with a place to nest, homeowners get to enjoy endless hours of joy as they observe these charismatic raptors and their chicks up close.
Cape Coral, Florida has a very successful starter burrow program that is well received by its residents. Marco Islanders, be part of an amazing experience.
To add a starter burrow to your landscape, send an email of interest to: owlwatchmarco@gmail.com. Staff from AWE’s Owl Watch Program will schedule a visit to assess the best location for your starter burrow.
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