advertisement
17 July 2023
Among the beloved family of birds, owls hold a special place in the hearts of many. Their mysterious nocturnal nature often makes them elusive to spot. However, one owl species defies the norm and offers ample opportunities for observation during daylight hours—the adorable Burrowing Owl.
True to its name, the Burrowing Owl makes its home underground. While it can dig its burrows, it often takes over pre-existing holes created by prairie dogs or ground squirrels.
Unfortunately, the choice of habitat for Burrowing Owls presents challenges for their populations, especially in areas experiencing suburban sprawl. In regions like Phoenix, converting agricultural fields into housing developments often displaces Burrowing Owls nesting in those areas. This raises concerns about the stability of their populations and underscores the need for conservation efforts to ensure their survival.
Audubon Arizona, Wild at Heart, and the City of Phoenix joined to create the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area, complete with constructed artificial burrows. Here they offer the necessary food sources and expansive habitats essential for the thriving of these owls. Moreover, visitors can gain knowledge about the owls, understand the obstacles they encounter, and learn how they can contribute to their well-being. “Downtown Owls” originated in 2013 as an initiative to create urban wildlife habitats within the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area in the City of Phoenix. Since then, it has expanded to encompass several other locations throughout the valley, allowing for a broader impact on preserving these remarkable creatures.
Burrowing Owls readily embrace artificial dwellings. The design of the burrows is the “Prairie Dog Model.” 30 years ago, people tried to relocate prairie dogs in New Mexico using artificial tubing and recreating the underground layout of a typical prairie dog burrow. Ultimately the attempt failed at attracting prairie dogs but had the happy accident of attracting burrowing owls.
When the artificial burrows are constructed and ready, volunteers will house the owls in a tent for 30 days around their nesting time, giving them ample food and protection. During these 30 days, the owls can settle into the habitat and start the nesting process, which helps bind them to their new habitat. After 30 days, the tent is removed, and the owl can relocate on their own, but at this point, they’re happy in their new homes.
These efforts contribute to the preservation of the species and offer visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the owls, their challenges, and ways to contribute to their welfare. These efforts demonstrate the dedication of the community to protect these beloved creatures. With the successful establishment of artificial burrows and a supportive environment, the burrowing owls have a promising future in their new homes, thanks to the efforts of volunteers and organizations alike.
advertisement
Thinking about exploring Arizona caves? You’re in luck if you’re a spelunker! Several cave systems in Arizona are well-known and accessible to the public, offering a mix of guided tours and self-exploration: Kartchner Caverns – Famous for its preserved formations and extensive guided tours, Kartchner is a must-see for any visitor. Learn More » Peppersauce Cave – A favorite for more adventurous explorers, Peppersauce allows visitors to experience a raw and natural cave environment. Learn More » Colossal Cave – Located near Tucson, this cave provides both standard and advanced tours for those seeking a challenge. Learn More » Grand
Across the deserts, grasslands, and pine forests of Arizona and New Mexico, native predators once prowled: jaguars, wolves, and even grizzly bears once claimed Arizona as their home. Today, most of these species are gone, victims of hunting, habitat loss, and human expansion. But what if human intervention could remedy this? advertisement Jaguars Conservationists have long debated reintroducing jaguars into their historic range. Unlike some extinct or extirpated species, jaguars have garnered public fascination and broad support, making their comeback more politically and socially viable. Reintroducing jaguars wouldn’t just be a symbolic victory; it could help restore complex ecological interactions
Buying your first home can be exciting and a little nerve-wracking. For many buyers in Phoenix, Tucson, and the surrounding areas, one common concern is termites. If you’re house hunting, especially for older homes or condos built decades ago, termites are something you’ll likely encounter one day. advertisement Termites Are Common, Not Catastrophic In Phoenix and Tucson, termites are almost a given for older wood-constructed homes. Local homeowners joke that there are only two kinds of houses here: those that have had termites and those that will have termites. While the word “infestation” can sound alarming, a detected termite presence
The Mexican gray wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) is one of the rarest subspecies of gray wolf in North America and a symbol of both ecological resilience and conservation success. Once nearly extinct, this small gray wolf has become the focus of one of the most closely monitored wildlife recovery efforts in the United States. advertisement A Species on the Brink By the late 1970s, only seven Mexican gray wolves remained in captivity. Their disappearance from the wild was driven by habitat loss, hunting, and predator control programs. The survival of this subspecies depended entirely on careful intervention and breeding programs.
