A while back, I wrote a blog called “This Blog is for the Birds.” I am a member of the Audubon Society and I live in Cape Coral in Southwest Florida. We have the unique pleasure of having the largest population of Athene cunicularia or Burrowing Owls in the state of Florida. There are over 1,500 nesting pairs in Cape Coral.  Burrowing Owls are small, brown, long-legged owls that, as their name implies, nest in burrows. They have short tails and no ear tufts. The eyes and bill are both yellow.  Unlike other owls that are mainly active at night, these birds are diurnal and are active both during the day and night especially during breeding season.  Officially this season runs from February 15th through July 10th each year. The peak time for nest initiation in Cape Coral is mid-March. But some owls start nesting as early as December.

The Burrowing Owls form a monogamous pair bond during the nesting season.  These owls are site specific, which means that they are likely to return to the same territory year after year. Because the Burrowing Owl is a protected species, it is illegal to harass or destroy any nest.  The nest can only be destroyed if a permit from the Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission has issued one. Most of the nests around the city of Cape Coral have a ten foot perimeter of rope marking off where the nests are.

Every year Cape Coral holds the Burrowing Owl Festival, which is held on the fourth Saturday in February.   They have educational booths that I usually volunteer for. They have hands on activities for children, guided nature walks, live animals, and a butterfly house. There is also a 5k run, bike or walk which benefits a local charity to protect the burrowing owl and other native wildlife. I love all animals.  But my true passion is birds, ever since I was little. I can remember my dad and me going out into nature and bird watching. I think that it’s great to have hobbies especially ones that you can share with others. 

My participation in this event allows me to share my knowledge and passion with others, but it is more than that.  By being a part of this public event, I am able to raise awareness of speech disabilities and their solutions, and with my DynaVox V I can let others know that life doesn’t end after a neurological event.  With the right technology, life can go on, passions can be indulged.