Sunday, November 15, 2026
Tommie Barfield Elementary drain rescue. Brittany Piersma is trying to retrieve an owl chick that fell into the storm drain.
Tommie Barfield Elementary drain rescue. Brittany Piersma is trying to retrieve an owl chick that fell into the storm drain.
The rescued owl chick from Tommie Barfield Elementary’s storm drain was returned to its burrow.
On May 14th, eight burrows were reported to be filled with pieces of cement bricks and sand, and then driven over. Volunteers found one live tortoise completely barricaded by cement bricks. From left: Tish Champagne, Brittany Piersma and Lin Taylor checking all the burrows.
According to AWE, 21 gopher tortoises have been hit by cars, the majority along South Barfield and Publix. If you find an injured gopher tortoise, please call Conservancy’s Wildlife Hospital at 239-262-CARE (2273) and email owlwatchmarco@gmail.com.
Breeding season is between May and October and Piersma has seen an influx of hatchlings this month. Mowers, please use caution and look before you mow!!
Tommie Barfield Elementary Owl Club and AWE Field Biologist, Brittany Piersma.
Seventy volunteers are busy monitoring 365 sites and reported 137 pairs of owls with chicks - with more to come. When visiting a site with chicks, please enjoy them from a safe distance.
On my street there are five active construction sites for new homes. The remaining vacant lots are “hosts” to burrowing owls and gopher tortoises. According to Audubon of the Western Everglades, (AWE) the most common cause of death for gopher tortoises and burrowing owls are vehicular strikes. The slow-moving gopher tortoise is no match for speeding construction and landscape vehicles and both tortoises and owls are at high risk for habitat loss.
Record Number of gopher tortoises hit by cars since November: According to Brittany Piersma, Field Biologist for AWE, 21 Gopher Tortoises were hit by cars since November 21, the majority along South Barfield near Publix.
Drive slowly and watch out for slow moving gopher tortoises especially in the hilly areas of Marco. If you see a tortoise crossing the road, you can safely pull over and help it towards the direction it is traveling. AWE is working with the City of Marco Island for increased signage and educational outreach to construction sites and visitors.
Violations Reported: The most recent violation was reported on Thursday morning on May 12th. Eight burrows were found to have been filled with pieces of cement bricks taken from the construction site next door; the burrows were then filled with sand and driven over by a truck possibly trapping the tortoises inside. Volunteers found one live gopher tortoise trapped and completely barricaded by concrete bricks. According to FWC – this is an active investigation.
In Florida, the gopher tortoise is listed as Threatened and both the tortoise and its burrow are protected under state and local laws. If you suspect a wildlife law violation, report it to the FWC's at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
If you spot an injured tortoise, please call the Conservancy’s Wildlife Hospital at: 239-262-CARE (2273). Also email: owlwatchmarco@gmail.com.
Gopher Tortoise Survey Update - Piersma and her volunteers have counted 2,451 potentially occupied burrows, with an estimated 1,226 gopher tortoises with more surveys planned for Hideaway and Key Marco. If you have a property with gopher tortoises and they have not surveyed, feel free to send an email at audubonwe@live.com.
Gopher Tortoise breeding season is between May and October according to FWC. Piersma reported there has been a definite increase of hatchlings this month – so mowers, please look before you mow!
Owl Chick News - It is chick season for burrowing owls on Marco Island, Isles of Capri and Fiddlers Creek. According to Brittany Piersma, volunteers have reported 137 pairs of owls with chicks with more to come! Seventy volunteers are busy monitoring 365 sites. The Starter Burrows also have seen increased activities with a record for pairs with chicks!
Piersma added that “with development in high gear, the owls appear to be adapting to the increasing urban environment. But it comes with increased threats - seven owls hit by cars with the majority not surviving.
Six owls were reported with neurologic symptoms and AWE is concerned it may be due to rodenticide. Sadly, owls with these symptoms don’t survive and AWE is awaiting test results from FWC. They are urging residents to use alternatives to rat poison as Rodenticide is affecting not just owls but other wildlife.
Violations: Two Burrowing Owl sites were reported to FWC with “burrows intentionally filled in.” FWC excavated and scoped the burrows and thankfully found no adults, eggs, or chicks were present.
Federal, State and Local Protection: Burrowing Owls, their nests and eggs are protected by State and Federal laws. Additionally, on Marco Island, Burrowing Owls are also protected under Listed Species Ordinance # 19-01. (Triple protection)
Storm drain rescue. Curious chicks found themselves stuck in storm drains and according to Piersma, the first one occurred at Tommie Barfield Elementary School. With the help of teachers and maintenance staff, the chick was safely rescued. A barrier was placed over the drain to prevent re-occurrence. Both rescues had a happy ending.
The Owl Club at Tommie Barfield Elementary School will meet for the last time this month - thanks to Stephanie Parker for starting this club. For next year Piersma is hoping to include the gopher tortoise.
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