I’ve been checking in regularly on a little Burrowing Owl that’s taken up residence in Osceola County, but I felt sorry that it was all alone Well, it’s not alone any more.
A second Burrowing Owl has shown up and they appear to be mates. That’s great news for this pint-sized raptor, which Florida lists as an “imperiled” species.
Here’s what the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says about Burrowing Owl breeding in the state:
“The typical breeding season for the Florida burrowing owl is February 15 to July 10, though owls can breed earlier or later. Nesting occurs in burrows in the ground that they dig. These burrows will be maintained and used again the following year. … Females lay up to eight eggs within a one-week period, and they will incubate the eggs for up to 28 days. Once the white-feathered juveniles are born, it takes two weeks before they are ready and able to appear out of the burrow. Juveniles will begin learning how to fly at four weeks, but will not be able to fly well until they are six weeks old. Juveniles will stay with the parents until they are able to self-sustain at 12 weeks old.”
Hopefully we’ll get to see some baby burrowers at some point.
