Project Info
Species Owls, Shorebirds
States Florida, Texas
Project Description
Saving the threatened Florida burrowing owl subspecies, we strive to protect and manage habitat to support current population and to accommodate population growth. Through our SAFE SHOREbirds program, we conserve birds in coastal developed areas.
Urban Bird Foundation primarily works in Florida and Texas for the preservation of burrowing owls and urban and suburban birds and shorebirds. We engage in hands-on conservation, monitor development projects, and advocate for the protection of habitat, mixed-use open spaces, and wildlife friendly policies.
Under our Burrowing Owl Conservation Network program launched in 2008, Urban Bird Foundation has helped spur the nation’s renewed interest in saving burrowing owls.
Some of our accomplishments:
- Continue to collect burrowing owl sighting reports and track burrowing owl colonies to ensure protection from development in Florida and Texas.
- Responded to more than 1,000 calls for burrowing owl and native bird rescues and assistance in Florida and Texas – in total, more than 7,000 calls for help across the United States.
- In 2016, successfully testified on behalf of our constituents and advocated for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to list the Florida Burrowing Owl as a state threatened species – garnering additional protections and requiring the completion of a statewide, species-specific conservation plan.