Burrowing owl makes a rocky home in Austin
I’m still hoping that a screech owl will move into our owl box this winter. Meanwhile, I got my owl fix yesterday with a different kind of bird — a burrowing owl, which I understand is rarely seen in Central Texas. Burrowing owls prefer West Texas and the Panhandle, where they nest in abandoned prairie dog tunnels. And yet somehow one has taken up residence in a pile of boulders in a field slated for development in East Austin.
He or she stands vigil each day on the rock pile, perhaps keeping an eye out for insects, lizards, or small rodents. Burrowing owls are one of the few owl species that’s active by night and day.
Burrowing owls stand only about 10 inches tall. Though she be but little, she is fierce (with a nod to Shakespeare).
Yellow feet match yellow eyes. Brown feathers speckled with white help it camouflage among the rocks.
With a head that seems to turn all the way around and big, solemn eyes, owls are fun to watch. I hope this one stays safe in the construction zone it’s moved into and wonder if it’ll head west to its preferred desert or grassland before they rev up the bulldozers again.
__________________________
Digging Deeper
Come learn about gardening and design at Garden Spark! I organize in-person talks by inspiring designers, landscape architects, authors, and gardeners a few times a year in Austin. These are limited-attendance events that sell out quickly, so join the Garden Spark email list to be notified in advance; simply click this link and ask to be added. Season 8 kicks off in fall 2024. Stay tuned for more info!
All material © 2024 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
The poor owl. I hope it finishes nesting before they start their project. I love burrowing owls. They are fascinating. Those eyes…
I hope so too, Lisa. It’s a beautiful bird, and since it’s so rare here it would be a shame to disturb it.
Fierce indeed, and with a steely gaze to boot!
Don’t mess with me, she says.
Wildlife and Fisheries and Travis Audubon along with the landscaping committee of the subdivision this guy has taken up residence in is working with the developer to keep him safe until he decides to move on. All is good!
That’s great news, Catmac. Thank you for sharing! Is there any way to follow along with this owl’s story, perhaps via Travis Audubon’s social media?
I love owls Pam, they are just amazing birds. Hope you get a Screech owl in your box this winter, nothing better than a front row seat to their comings and goings.
That’s so true, Janet. I’ve loved watching them raise their chicks whenever we’ve gotten a nesting pair.
*So* much attitude, beautifully captured by your shots from different angles. Great news about the protection committee!
Best wishes for continued success at your home nesting box.
Fingers crossed, Nell. We didn’t get a nesting pair last year, but I’m hoping this year it’ll happen again.
I love burrowing owls. Our Edward’s Plateau substrate here is too rocky for them, but we saw them around Florida where the soil is sand and tortoises dig burrows–including a trio of owls with a burrow at the end of a Miami International Airport runway!
Florida must be a popular spot for them. You’re the third person to tell me you’ve seen them there. Or apparently all they need is a big pile of rocks. 😉