With over 7000 burrowing owls, Cape Coral is home to the largest population in Florida. For this reason, Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife hosts the Burrowing Owl Festival every year to increase awareness of this species in the community.
“Really, this event is about raising the awareness of the burrowing owl and other wildlife in the community, educating the community about the wonderful wildlife that we have, celebrating it and having a good time,” said Janet Windisch, the corresponding secretary for Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife (CCFW).
The owls make their homes in burrows all around Cape Coral. But since they’re a threatened species, people must stay 10 feet away from their habitats. To help increase public knowledge, CCFW marks the owl burrows in the community with PVC pipes.
“When Cape Coral was first developed, the canals were dredged and a lot of wide open, empty lots were left with sandy soil. And that prairie-like kind of habitat is good for the burrowing owls,” Windisch said. “So, over the years, they slowly started to flourish here.”…