It’s never too early to start planning for the next great event and of course we all need the extra time to add them to our calendars.  So here is the first of many reminders about the upcoming meeting of the California Burrowing Owl Consortium.

Our host, Sonoma Birding, is working on an exciting venue and I am looking forward to seeing you there.  And of course meeting all of you in person, talking burrowing owls, and sharing my presentation and conservation ideas.

Sept 11th (Sat) – California Burrowing Owl Consortium  (10:00AM- 3:00PM)

The fall event is hosted by Sonoma Birding at the beautiful Viansa Winery and Wetlands:

25200 Arnold Drive
Sonoma, CA 95476

Both the science and citizen science community are most welcomed.  The agenda will include presentations by experts, breakout sessions, a panel discussion and reception. Your $30 entrance fee also includes lunch.

Make checks payable to:  Viansa Winery
Mail payment by Monday, Sept. 6, 2010 to:  Sonoma Birding, PO. Box 1621, Sonoma, CA 95476

Phone Tom Rusert at 707-939-8007 or email sonomanature (at) gmail (dot) com with suggestions or questions.  Come and Celebrate Sonoma’s Good Nature!

There’s an eviction looming on the horizon, but the residents don’t see the signs.  An earthmover and bulldozer sit temporarily idle on a newly paved road.  Homes are in various stages of development a block away.  A sales center adorned with colorful flags and signs branded by the company’s name have settled on a gravel laden lot.  There is a hodgepodge of empty parcels including undisturbed habitat, farmland in the midst of returning to its pre-agricultural state, land that had been graded just prior to the housing crisis, and property in which streets have been etched into the surface but are yet to be installed.  A streetlight flashes on and off while waiting to be programmed to control future traffic.  One, two, three, ten and perhaps more than twenty burrowing owls perch along fresh sidewalks, rest atop water pipes, stand guard on a chain-linked fences, and occupy burrows peppered throughout the impending human sprawl.

There’s evidence that evictions have been here before, which has now been confiscated as spoils of war.  Obviously the attempt at burrowing owl eradication did not take.  Obviously the consultants failed to adhere to an eviction policy designed to prevent owls from returning. Obviously the owls will have to undergo the trauma and danger of yet another removal. And as I traversed the landscape I realized I had been here before.  The location is different, but the situation is the same.  It’s burrowing owl eviction déjà vu and I don’t like what I’m seeing.

However, there is a silver lining so to speak.  It’s not much but I have breeding season on my (our) side for the moment.  It’s better than nothing; it’s better than the status quo that has been allowed to proceed unfettered for years in California.  The good news is that the word is getting out and the plight of burrowing owls is spreading.  People are taking notice and an interest by providing tips and sighting reports.  And that’s exactly what we need to ensure future protections.

Unfortunately future protections will not save these owls so I am now looking for something a little more immediate.  I crave long-term solutions, but will settle for short-term action if it means these neighboring raptors will not become a statistic in the Bay Area’s recent 28% burrowing owl population decline.  So a visit to the Planning Department to review the Environmental Impact Reports was warranted.  If only it contained the answer to the burgeoning burrowing owl issue that is plaguing Contra Costa County.  Instead I stumbled upon Department of Fish & Game inconsistencies that make me wonder if there is a lack of policy understanding within the agency, if there is an attempt at disseminating propaganda, if consultants are completely misinformed, or if it is simply a little bit of everything designed to mislead the public and help developers instead of working for species conservation.  Whatever the reason it is completely unacceptable and it solidifies my resolve to make sweeping conservation changes in this state.

But while I formulate my plan of action, nature moves forward as intended.  A lone kestrel swoops down at a burrowing owl standing guard in front of its burrow.  A black-tailed jackrabbit explodes from the brush and disappears within seconds.  California ground squirrels dart for cover and sound the alarm as I sidestep growing tumbleweeds.  A burrowing owl crouches in an effort to blend with the dirt and weeds, and a plastic bag rolls across the site; reminding me that these owls are surrounded by urbanization and yet another illustration of habitat lost.

I just can’t wait to get out into the field and partake in a burrowing owl expedition this weekend.  To be honest if I had an opportunity to escape from the daily grind I would be opting to do so at this very moment.  But since work is unavoidable I will just have to bite my nails in anticipation.

And as I continue to toil away so too are burrowing owl parents because the young are beginning to emerge from their burrows.  I’ve received a number of reports and sightings of burrowing owl chicks over the last few days as well as a feel good anecdote from Sherrill, a local wildlife rehabilitator.

On May 30^th a young burrowing owl chick with some minor head abrasions was found in an irrigation ditch in Brentwood, California.  The young owl was successfully treated by the Lindsay Wildlife Museum hospital in Walnut Creek and is now scheduled to be returned to its home and parents this week.  As Sherrill pointed out and as visible in the photos below, the little burrowing owl has come quite a ways in regards to development and growth in only 6 days.  Nature is incredible and so too are our wildlife rehabber friends!  And might I add that this is indeed quite the transformation…

Photo: Lindsay Wildlife Museum (May 30, 2010)

Photo: Lindsay Wildlife Museum (June 5, 2010)

Community involvement is just what the conservationist ordered.  And I am ecstatic that people are taking notice of the need for a little positive human intervention.  It’s a story that has been developing for a few months and technically it all began at the end of March with a tip from the Feds.  But don’t jump to conclusions as it was not the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service that set the wheels in motion, but the U.S. Postal Service.  And it makes sense. 

Mail carriers are the eyes and ears of local municipalities and when you throw in a concern for wildlife they become mobile observatories.  So after receiving a tip from a Brentwood carrier that a pair of burrowing owls have made their home in the parking lot of KinderCare, I decided to check out the situation and pay a visit.  Sure enough, the owls have assumed control of a ground squirrel burrow that just happens to be in a small section of landscaping surrounded by asphalt.  Cars, people and children file in and out of the facility daily under the careful watch of their burrowing owl neighbors. 

But as you can see it is not an ideal or convenient location in which to raise a family of burrowing owls. Besides the parking lot setting there is a street, albeit not as busy as it could be, that runs perpendicular to the occupied burrow and KinderCare.  And where there are streets there are cars.  And of course an unhealthy potential for collisions;  a meeting that never bodes well for the owls. 

Location of owl burrow

Although we may not fully recognize or understand their reasons, I can surmise the location fills a biological need.  Whether it is the empty field across the street that provides plenty of food, a few signs that serve as sufficient places for keeping an eye on predators, a lack of suitable burrows elsewhere, or a caring director that has taken an interest in their safety.  Whatever the reason, there is no doubt the owls are in attendance and nesting behaviors are in full swing.

It had been about  2 weeks since I left my business card with the staff and I was somewhat at ease with the situation after being informed that KinderCare had taken measures to ensure the burrows would not be filled by the landscapers. But after receiving a call last Friday evening from the Center’s Director, Carrie Murphy, I was glad to find myself discussing burrowing owl protections with a person who is not only caring for children, but understands and has compassion for our native, local wildlife.  According to Carrie, she, her staff and parents have become concerned that the location of the owls’ burrow may compromise their safety.   And most definitely it is a valid concern considering babies are on the way.

Burrowing Owl- Look closely in right hand corner

But Carrie appears dedicated to lending a hand in their care and is filling a role as a wildlife steward, reaching out for help and taking responsibilities for the protection of a species of special concern.  Under Carrie’s direction, KinderCare in Brentwood is setting a great burrowing owl example for other local businesses.  It’s not about ignoring the problem but being part of the solution.

So where do we go from here?  Well, JournOwl and the developing Burrowing Owl Conservation Network are working with KinderCare to institute a plan that is not only amenable to maintaining business as usual, but will strive to give 2010′s offspring a healthy start to life as they emerge from their parking lot burrow.  I have committed to monitoring the owls, I am in the process of developing and posting some on site informational signs and educational materials, and will hopefully be able to block off the adjacent parking spot to afford the adults and young a little extra space in their suburban home, etc.

Kudos to Carrie Murphy and the Staff at KinderCare in Brentwood!

Burrowing Owl in rehab

When birds meet glass it is often a troubling and deadly encounter that does not always provide an opportunity to engage the same window again.  But for one local burrowing owl, a traumatic event unfolded in January after the raptor collided with a health club window not once but twice.  Down for the count, the burrowing owl was shuttled to the Lindsay Wildlife Museum for treatment of injuries and rehabilitation that would span almost 3 months.  Under the vigilant watch and care of Sherrill Cook, the feathered California native made a miraculous recovery and was now searching for a suitable release site. A site that would offer the best possible chances for successful reintegration into a world governed by Mother Nature but increasingly adorned by the structures of man.

In a bout of unbelievable timing, just such a place is now in existence and is a mere 19 days old.  On March 7th a group of volunteers descended upon Antioch’s Prewett Park Preserve and successfully installed 6 artificial burrows (read an account in the Contra Costa Times and check out my experience/photos of the construction).  Burrows that we hope would provide shelter for the declining, threatened species, but in no way imagined that occupancy might occur so quickly. 

Having previously communicated with Sherrill regarding the owl and now knowing a release site was needed, I proposed the preserve as a potential candidate.  After a number of emails and discussions,  myself and a group of burrowing owl advocates coordinated the event and ventured to the preserve on March  25th to christen one of our newly installed artificial burrows with a most elegant burrowing owl.  An owl that had endured quite an ordeal but had been fortunate enough to connect with those instilled with a kinship and understanding of nature’s creatures.

Scoping an artificial burrow

After scoping the chosen burrow to ensure there were no hidden residents or squatters and providing a last minute first aid check, the time finally came to say farewell and good luck.  As meadow larks sang in the background, a cold front rolled over the hill flicking a few drops of rain and surprising us with a chilly breeze.  In an instant the empty burrow was now occupied and smiles crept over our faces just in time to mask any lingering concerns of what the night may bring.  And it was I who was awarded the task of visiting the next morning to relay any news, good or bad.

Burrowing Owl First Aid Check

A few hours and a few completed appointments later, I decided to give the burrow another survey…It was something I just had to do!  Now clad in slacks, polished shoes, and a long sleeved dress shirt, I rummaged through the growing mustard and ascended the hill towards the burrow.  As I crested the knoll I stumbled upon our burrowing owl and it was as if I was looking into a mirror;  we both jumped as our eyes grew wide in shock.  Neither of us expected the other’s presence.  And I stepped back to a comfortable distance to watch captivity fade from her eyes.  The sunshine was warm, the air was fresh, life was good, and an injured burrowing owl was now basking in a second chance at life.  An opportunity afforded to a species that is so often overlooked and most certainly undervalued, and that makes me proud to be associated with such a great group of conservationists.

Rehabilitated burrowing owl at artificial burrow

Cheryl R., a neighboring wildlife advocate and VP-Wildlife of the nonprofit organization Worth A Dam, routinely passes me information she finds of conservation interest.  The articles, pictures, and news typically pertain to burrowing owls, which, if you are not aware, is of particular interest to me since I’m in the midst of trying to protect a population that is literally a 2 minute walk from my home.

Over the last week, her research resulted in a number of burrowing owl related items that I found quite intriguing.  As I read through one article from June 2008, I was amazed that the French Valley Wildlife Preserve near Temecula was home to at least five pairs of owls.  However, it was not their mere presence on the preserve that caught my attention, but the fact that the preserve, according to the article, was 407 acres and home to 10 owls.  Mind you I only have firsthand knowledge of a very small number of local sites with burrowing owls, but the urban habitat I’ve been monitoring (and future address of 127 residential homes) is currently supporting 11 resident owls (including 4 pairs).  And that does not take into account the owls that migrated after breeding season.  Did I mention this area is a sixteenth the size of the preserve at approximately 25 acres?  So by the end of the article I was left wondering if my own private burrowing owl refuge is unique in terms of the population size it supports.  And the short answer is I’m not sure.

Is the location of this temporary open space ideal for the owls because it is protected, is a prime feeding habitat because it is adjacent to and for all practical purposes in a neighborhood and bordering rolling hills, has graded lots with sparse weeds providing an ideal environment, etc?  I guess I now have more questions than answers, which will require a bit of digging on my part to discover solutions…if any are actually available.

But what I do know is that my neighborhood is a hotbed for burrowing owls with at least 15 individuals residing year around, and I’m not complaining.  Whether sitting on a short fence separating the street from the canal, looking for dinner on my lawn and driveway, or simply watching the night pass from a corner street sign, I just can’t help but get excited living next to and with these creatures.  And as a neighbor of mine they deserve a place to call home as well.

And to round up this post here is a trailer for an animated short that Cheryl found with you guessed it, burrowing owls in the starring role.

The Hidden Life of the Burrowing Owl, Trailer from mike roush on Vimeo.

Perhaps some would call it a mini-vacation, but I tend to think of my recent trip to D.C. as a whirl wind excursion that intertwined monuments, buildings, museums, the constitution, and countless trips up and down the National Mall.  An all day and night walking extravaganza that was perfect for my wife’s first visit. But upon my return I expected a few changes on the Burrowing Owl front; mainly a fence to block traffic access and a little garbage removal that would benefit the resident burrowing owls and neighborhood safety/aesthetics.

Yet, as I walked the land I found the piles of trash still present and a fenceless border.  Disappointed…well yes.

So once again I put fingers to keyboard, left a few messages, and waited for a response.  To my surprise, the rising of the sun was the bearer of good news as all piled debris had been removed by the next evening; the mattress from the street, the jet ski that had been left to surf weeds, the rugs, and the broken mirrors that seemed to have bestowed the bad luck not on the dumpers, but on the owls.  But perhaps their luck was not all bad as we are in the midst of altering a course of development to ensure mitigation. Mitigation yes, protection perhaps.  A sentence which I expect to elaborate on next week that is based on information I came across at the 2009 Burrowing Owl Consortium.

With some help spreading the word from Worth A Dam (Martinez Beavers), Bay Area Wildlife Blog, and some other concerned citizens who have been of great help and guidance, things are leaning in the right direction conservation-wise.  Here are a few points:

• Street closure locations have been approved by the Fire Department.
• According to the developer, the fencing is going to be installed tomorrow (Sept. 25), but I’m taking a wait and see attitude before I get too excited.
• The City of Antioch requested a biological evaluation after hearing (repeatedly) from JournOwl (and friends) about the owls. 
• The Developer has hired a biologist and the staff met on site Sept. 23rd.
• Garbage piles have been completely removed. With the exception of a little graffiti and remaining litter the site looks much better.
• I received a call from the Planning Department concerning the owls and they promised to provide biological survey reports and mitigation information based on upcoming survey.  Something I will definitely need to keep tabs on.
• Development will not commence until spring 2010.
• I have personally began to document owl sightings and burrow locations, which will be used to compare findings by the Developer’s biologist.

According to information I received, there was zero mitigation in place for these owls.  Which explains why after weeks of waiting I could not retrieve these documents from the city.  Apparently owls were not present on the property during the initial Environmental Impact Statement of this land years back.  However, I can neither confirm nor deny if this was actually the case.  So without any intervention the owls would have been quietly buried as the housing project was fully entitled.  All in all this is a classic lesson in wildlife conservation.  Protecting native species is not just a responsibility that is in the domain of government agencies and renowned non-profit organizations, but a duty of individual citizens, communities, and local non-profit groups commonly referred to as ‘WE THE PEOPLE’.

Stay Tuned!

Looking for a little owl reading material?  Check out my guest column in the Contra Costa Times:

GUEST COLUMN: Burrowing owls stand small in den of iniquity

And a couple of photos to complement the words. Only one of these photos represents what actually should be located adjacent to burrows…