Monitoring Marco Burrowing Owls

Owl Watch is in full swing with the nesting season upon us. Burrowing Owls on Marco Island start nesting as early as November, most likely due to the year-round food sources in an urban environment. These owls face many threats including natural predators, outdoor house cats, car strikes, rat poisoning, harassment, and lack of habitat. How do we determine the success of this species, analyze its movements, and track its longevity? We monitor the owls year-round and pursue permitted research of banding owls under Dr. Raoul Boughton.

I, along with 80 volunteers, use binoculars to spot banded owls. We are then able to confirm a specific owl by the unique combination of colors and a metal USGS band. So far this season our team has resighted 25 banded owls. We banded 21 additional owls since the beginning of March and will continue throughout the year. Nesting season is the easiest time to capture these owls since they are extremely territorial of their burrows. The box trap positions up to the burrow. The owls walk in without any harm. Banding and measurements are done quickly and efficiently in order to reduce stress on the owls. They are released as soon as possible.

This research will provide incredible information, especially with increased development on Marco Island. Tracking bands allows us to follow pairs and chicks as they grow up and adapt to the changes in their environment. There are currently two owls that are at least seven years old based on being banded as adults in 2017. This exceeds the estimated five-to-six-year life expectancy. We recently recaptured several banded fledglings from last season to give them adult combos. They have already found a new burrow and mate. We estimated only one-third of the chicks from last season survived until adulthood. One of the fledglings from Resident’s Beach found itself a new burrow inland on the island. Tommie Barfield has had a banded male owl named Mr. Hoot for at least six years. With the students from the Burrow Buddies Club, we were able to band his new mate.

If you spot any banded owls, please email us at owlwatchmarco@gmail.com. Please do not enter private properties and give the owls plenty of space. Using a long-lens camera will provide us with what we need to confirm the resight. If you are interested in supporting our research or adopting an owl, visit our website at audubonwe.org.