
AWE’s Allison Smith with Laura Scelfo and Judy Hattendorf of Anglers Cove, whose HOA voted unanimously to re-landscape for owls. Photos by Jean Hall
Jean Hall, Manager of Audubon of Western Everglades’ (AWE) Owl Watch Marco program thanked all the volunteers for their hard work for a very successful 2017 nesting season. Hall also reported on the overwhelming response to the first launch of the Starter Burrow Program. AWE received many calls and to date has dug 17 starter burrows. These are mostly in residential yards. A big shout-out to the Angler’s Cove Homeowners Association (HOA) who voted unanimously to add a starter burrow to their newly re-landscaped green space. They were very excited to be part of the program.

AWE, with Owl Watch Marco is moving on to the next step by conducting their own research on the burrowing owls in Marco Island using the starter burrows. AWE is funding a biologist, Alli Smith, who is a graduate student at the University of Florida. Alli will monitor the owls using the starter burrow program and observe how they can adapt in urban settings. Habitat loss is the biggest threat to the burrowing owls in Marco Island.

In 2001 the Owl Prowl group started monitoring owls. Original members, from left: Nancy Richie, Karol Tenace, Eva Schliesser and Carol Patterson (Not pictured: Lori Fredericks).

AWE Owl Watch Marco volunteers holiday photo. Volunteers (many not pictured) contributed 517 hours of service and provided 3,400 observations.

Cindy and Andre Figueroa
To add a starter burrow to your landscape, please send an e-mail of interest to: owlwatchmarco@gmail.com. Staff from AWE’s Owl Watch Marco will schedule a visit to assess the best location for your starter burrow.

Inge Atkins

Ed Grzybowski

Marge Klasa, George Gallagher and Monica Pierce, Westview Condominium.
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