Burrowing Owls of Cape Coral
Jan 18, 2021 14:03:21 #
Since a few people have asked me about these -...
If you find yourself in the Fort Myers area of Florida I think its worth your time to swing over to Cape Coral (do your research first) to come and grab some shots of these very cool Owls.
Although if you use the internet it often directs you to the library or the Town hall etc. Where they do have a few small burrows yet when I went they seemed abandoned - But on the north side of cape coral as I was driving around - I noticed in some of the the neighborhoods they had these small areas that where marked off with small PVC pipes sticking out of the ground - These mark of the boundaries to the burrows and then you can find dozens all around these neighborhoods some are abandoned of they are in the burrow but not coming out - but many you will find at least a look out owl - Dont get too close (they are protected and stressing them too much could get them to abandon the burrow but that being said most are relatively used to people stopping and taking their pictures... Just be aware these are peoples neighborhoods so be aware and considerate of peoples property or blocking streets or driveways and don't hang out too long ... There are plenty of burrows to visit and that in itself is fun... But give yourself a couple hours.
I will try to add a few photos that help you identify what to look for as well.... These guys are pretty small too - with lots of character. I may do a 2nd post as I love so many of these shots - one of the most fun planned outings I've had
If you find yourself in the Fort Myers area of Florida I think its worth your time to swing over to Cape Coral (do your research first) to come and grab some shots of these very cool Owls.
Although if you use the internet it often directs you to the library or the Town hall etc. Where they do have a few small burrows yet when I went they seemed abandoned - But on the north side of cape coral as I was driving around - I noticed in some of the the neighborhoods they had these small areas that where marked off with small PVC pipes sticking out of the ground - These mark of the boundaries to the burrows and then you can find dozens all around these neighborhoods some are abandoned of they are in the burrow but not coming out - but many you will find at least a look out owl - Dont get too close (they are protected and stressing them too much could get them to abandon the burrow but that being said most are relatively used to people stopping and taking their pictures... Just be aware these are peoples neighborhoods so be aware and considerate of peoples property or blocking streets or driveways and don't hang out too long ... There are plenty of burrows to visit and that in itself is fun... But give yourself a couple hours.
I will try to add a few photos that help you identify what to look for as well.... These guys are pretty small too - with lots of character. I may do a 2nd post as I love so many of these shots - one of the most fun planned outings I've had
Sometimes the look outs perch on these wooden T's that mark the main burrow entrance
(Download)
This burrow did not have the PVC Pipes - but gives a good indication of size etc.
(Download)
The lookout pops up and stamps one foot (and chirps) to warn those in the burrows
(Download)
The often have sand or dew (or both) from coming in and out of burrows
(Download)
Some are a bit harder to find than others
(Download)
Sometimes there are 2 or 3 at a burrow exit
(Download)
An the evening Silhouettes are hard because of the profile
(Download)
this guy was small so not brave enough to come all the way out
(Download)
Jan 18, 2021 14:09:35 #
Jan 18, 2021 14:22:35 #
oconnortf wrote:
Since a few people have asked me about these -... ... (show quote)
Very cute birds! Great set! Thanx for sharing.
Jan 18, 2021 14:58:44 #
Jan 18, 2021 15:02:15 #
Jan 18, 2021 15:08:36 #
Great images.
I didn't realize they are quite so small. And make homes so close to houses.
Thanks for sharing these.
I didn't realize they are quite so small. And make homes so close to houses.
Thanks for sharing these.
Jan 18, 2021 15:14:34 #
Jan 18, 2021 16:26:14 #
Wonderful! I feel cheated now, being to the Cape Coral Library in Nov 2018 and not finding any owls hanging out in the hourish time I had to spend. Thank you for some images of what I missed until next time.
Jan 18, 2021 16:50:38 #
Excellent set, love those owls. Thank you very much for the memories from two years ago. Have pictures framed of those cuties. 
Jan 18, 2021 17:44:45 #
Absolutely beautiful creatures, and your shots do them great justice Thank you for the wonderful information. Never knew any of this even remotely... 
Thank you for the wonderful information. Never knew any of this even remotely... Jan 18, 2021 18:43:46 #
Jan 19, 2021 05:26:15 #
Jan 19, 2021 06:11:03 #
oconnortf wrote:
Since a few people have asked me about these -... ... (show quote)
Some fantastic images!!!
I prefer the images without the markers over the ones with.
Jan 19, 2021 07:15:20 #
Jan 19, 2021 07:23:27 #
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.