The photo that is shown with this post is of a Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia), photographed in the Conservancy’s Central Basin Reserve Area. It has become a “friend” of Conservancy field crews since it is so gregarious. Conservancy crews always recognize it because, as you can barely see in the photo, it is banded (AKA “ankle bracelet”). But also because it seems to be very content.
Importantly, the owl is on a portion of the Conservancy’s mitigation land where enhancements were done specifically for Burrowing owls. Even better for this one, it was paired this year.
There has been concern lately that Burrowing owls have largely abandoned the Natomas Basin. It’s good to know that one of our best friends is using habitat the Conservancy has enhanced just for its use!
