Burrowing Owls in Cape Coral, Florida

By June 14, 2024September 14th, 2024Birds, Florida

Two things appear to abound in Cape Coral, a gulf coast town not far south of Fort Myers: retirees in golf cars and burrowing Owls (Athene cunicularia floridana) . The former inhabit the bungalows that line the streets and canals.  The latter inhabit burrows in yards, along street medians, in parks and libraries – basically everywhere. I decided to make the drive down to Cape Coral in order to see these small owls for myself. I got in touch with a few friends who were able to give me advice about where to best locate some nests.  Advice in hand, I scouted out some spots, figured out which owls seemed to be most tolerant of people and hand good sight lines for sunset light, and then went back to the few I guessed would be best in the late afternoon. I then laid down on the ground and waited. Soon they would pop up and I was able to make some portraits. I should mention this is a situation for the longest lens you have. I used 840mm. I just don’t want to spook these little guys. The greater the distance to the owl the more comfortable the owl is likely to be with your presence which is the only way to get any photographs. Also, a longer lens allows for a narrower and usually more defocused background.

Burrowing owl, Cape Coral, Florida, subspecies Athene cunicularia floridana. This 10-inch-tall burrowing owl is standing beside its burrow. These burrows are usually created by squirrels, prairie dogs, or other rodents and even turtles, and only rarely dug by the owl itself, Athene cunicularia floridana, Athene cunicularia

Burrowing owl, Cape Coral, Florida, subspecies Athene cunicularia floridana. This 10-inch-tall burrowing owl is standing beside its burrow. These burrows are usually created by squirrels, prairie dogs, or other rodents and even turtles, and only rarely dug by the owl itself.
Image ID: 40585
Species: Burrowing Owl, Athene cunicularia floridana, Athene cunicularia
Location: Cape Coral, Florida

Burrowing owl, Cape Coral, Florida, subspecies Athene cunicularia floridana. This 10-inch-tall burrowing owl is standing beside its burrow. These burrows are usually created by squirrels, prairie dogs, or other rodents and even turtles, and only rarely dug by the owl itself, Athene cunicularia floridana, Athene cunicularia

Burrowing owl, Cape Coral, Florida, subspecies Athene cunicularia floridana. This 10-inch-tall burrowing owl is standing beside its burrow. These burrows are usually created by squirrels, prairie dogs, or other rodents and even turtles, and only rarely dug by the owl itself.
Image ID: 40587
Species: Burrowing Owl, Athene cunicularia floridana, Athene cunicularia
Location: Cape Coral, Florida

Burrowing owl, Cape Coral, Florida, subspecies Athene cunicularia floridana. This 10-inch-tall burrowing owl is standing beside its burrow. These burrows are usually created by squirrels, prairie dogs, or other rodents and even turtles, and only rarely dug by the owl itself, Athene cunicularia floridana, Athene cunicularia

Burrowing owl, Cape Coral, Florida, subspecies Athene cunicularia floridana. This 10-inch-tall burrowing owl is standing beside its burrow. These burrows are usually created by squirrels, prairie dogs, or other rodents and even turtles, and only rarely dug by the owl itself.
Image ID: 40588
Species: Burrowing Owl, Athene cunicularia floridana, Athene cunicularia
Location: Cape Coral, Florida

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About Phil Colla

I am a natural history photographer. I enjoy making compelling images in the ocean, on land, and in the air. I have maintained the Natural History Photography blog since 2005 and my searchable Natural History Photography Library since 1997. Here are some tear sheets and behind the scenes views. Thanks for looking!

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