Matt Poole is a Research/Conservation Biologist and photographer who works with Burrowing Owls. These small birds are suffering declining numbers, so conservation projects are essential for survival. Matt recently helped release a group of baby burrowing owls after they were banded.
Videos by InspireMore
Even young, each owl seems to have a little personality. The first baby burrowing owl out of the bucket quickly scampered back to the nest.
The second baby burrowing owl made a straight line to the nest. The third little owl needed a little push. After it finally began moving, at more of a saunter than a run, he slowly made his way home. He did stop halfway and needed an extra push.
The group Matt works with to band and track burrowing owls acquires all necessary state and federal wildlife permits. Their work ensures the species’ continuing survival. The research they accumulate will assist them in streamlining programs to minimize the impact on the birds while they compile data.
Burrowing owls stow extra food in their underground nests during incubation and brooding. They typically occupy burrows abandoned by prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and other animals. These tiny birds will nest in PVC pipes and buckets when natural burrows are unavailable. This adaptability allows conservation workers to use creative methods to ensure the survival of the baby burrowing owls. They can create burrowing spaces from manmade materials to offer the owls non-traditional homes.
If you want to see more of Matt Poole’s work with burrowing owls, please visit his TikTok. He has hundreds of similar videos of him working with these adorable little birds. If you are concerned about burrowing owls and conservation projects, please share this story.
You can find the source of this story’s featured image here.
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