The Burrowing Owls of Marco Island

Burrowing owls have been on Marco Island for a while now, and the first attempt to monitor the creatures began back in 2001. From then until now, a group called the Owl Prowl and its volunteers have helped to keep a careful eye on the owls to protect them and help their population increase. Even though urban development is a constant on Marco Island, the owls now have a population of over 400! 

In 2016, this vital project was taken over by Audubon of the Western Everglades (AWE). They now call the program the AWE Owl Watch Program and continue their efforts to protect the incredible burrowing owl species. 

Facts
The scientific name for the burrowing owls on Marco Island is Athene cunicularia floridana. Burrowing owls are native to Florida and are the only owl species that nest underground. They stand about nine inches tall in adulthood, which is about the size of a water bottle.