CAPE CORAL, Fla. — Cape Coral celebrates Ground Owl Day with warmth and a sense of community, honoring the city’s beloved official bird, the burrowing owl. This annual event, organized by the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife (CCFW), not only highlights the quirky nature of this tradition but also deepens the town’s bond with its wildlife.
WATCH AS FOX 4’S ANVAR RUZIEV COVERS THE GROUND-OWL EVENT:
HOOTING FOR SPRING: Cape Coral celebrates Ground Owl Day
Held at the Pelican Baseball Complex, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement as locals gathered to witness the charming antics of Athene, the burrowing owl mascot. Would she see her shadow? The crowd held its collective breath in anticipation. Athene’s verdict? Spring is on the horizon.
Janet Windisch, a representative from CCFW, shared, “So that’s Cape Coral’s spin on Groundhog Day. Athene, our mascot, told us today that it was cloudy. No shadow means spring is coming.” Such simple yet profound words resonate, highlighting the shared connection between nature and community.
The burrowing owl, a species classified as threatened in Florida, symbolizes the rich biodiversity that characterizes the region. The CCFW aims to bolster awareness through such events, stirring a sense of protective responsibility within the community. “Today, we are celebrating the burrowing owl,” Windisch emphasized. “We want to highlight the stunning attributes of this bird and inspire others to take notice and support conservation efforts.”
With Cape Coral undergoing rapid development, the urgency to safeguard local habitats has never been greater. The burrowing owl relies on underground burrows nestled in open spaces — a type of habitat that is increasingly under threat as the city grows.
“There’s much going on in the name of development. We must be conscientious that wildlife needs space, too,” Windisch pointed out. CCFW’s efforts include establishing a 10-foot protective zone around the owls’ burrows, marked with PVC pipes to remind everyone of their importance. “Respecting these areas means not walking too close, avoiding placing trash cans nearby, and steering clear with vehicles,” she said, instilling a sense of communal duty.
Windisch offered practical advice for homeowners who may find burrowing owls residing on their property. “Using a weed whacker or string trimmer is best to manage the vegetation,” she suggested. “These owls prefer expansive views for spotting potential predators. What you don’t want to do is bring a riding lawnmower—think of the chaos.” Her tone lightened, drawing chuckles from the crowd as she related the joys and challenges of coexistence with nature.
A profound personal passion fuels Windisch’s devotion to protecting these beautiful birds. “I began with birdwatching because I enjoyed it. Then, I became captivated by burrowing owls and realized there was more that I could do to help,” she expressed, encouraging those touched by her words to consider volunteering or joining CCFW.
“We invite everyone who loves wildlife to join us at Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife or volunteer for our activities,” she added earnestly. One thrilling future event is the Burrowing Owl Festival, scheduled for February 22. “It’s only three weeks away, and we’re in need of volunteers for everything from parking to setup,” Windisch urged, clearly excited for the chance to gather community support.
Throughout the year, volunteers contribute significantly, assisting with maintenance and conservation initiatives. “Our dedicated team goes around, regularly clearing vegetation from the burrows,” Windisch explained. “They also tend to our purple martin colony in Serena Vista Park, where they monitor nest counts and ensure cleanliness.” Such ongoing efforts demonstrate the community’s commitment to wildlife protection.
CCFW emphasizes inclusivity, welcoming volunteers of all ages to experience the joy of helping burrowing owls thrive in their natural surroundings.
