FORT IRWIN, Calif. — Most people are familiar with owls, but did you know that some owls live underground? Meet the burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia), a small raptor that nests and roosts in burrows in the ground. These birds live in open areas of short grass found in prairies and deserts. Though their range extends through much of North and South America, burrowing owl populations have been in decline and the owl is currently listed as a species of conservation concern in the U.S. and California. Burrowing owls are active during the day but do most of their hunting from dusk until dawn. They mostly eat insects and small mammals, although their diet can also include small reptiles, amphibians, bats, and other birds.

With a name like burrowing owl, it may come as a surprise to learn that most burrowing owls don’t dig their own burrows. More commonly, they will move into a recently abandoned burrow dug by a prairie dog, desert tortoise, badger, or other burrowing animal. Burrowing owls will use their feet, wings, and bills to excavate a burrow to their preferred dimensions. When completed, these modified burrows can be up to ten feet long and may contain many twists and turns. So how can you tell if you’re looking at a burrowing owl burrow? Fort Irwin biologists look for signs of recent owl activity in and around the burrow to determine if it’s currently occupied by burrowing owls. These signs include whitewash (droppings), prey bones, regurgitated pellets of indigestible prey parts, and feathers. During the breeding season, burrowing owls will also line their burrow interior and entrance with mammal dung to mask the smell of their chicks from predators. Burrowing owls usually form monogamous pairs during the breeding season and will help raise their chicks together. While the female incubates a clutch of six to 11 eggs, the male will bring the female food and protect the nest from predators. Once the young are hatched, both parents will hunt to feed their growing chicks.
At Fort Irwin, DPW biologists monitor the nesting activity of burrowing owls and track the progress of their clutches throughout the installation. Monitoring starts in the spring when the female lays eggs and continue through late summer, when the young owls learn to fly and leave the burrow. To encourage nesting within Fort Irwin conservation areas, DPW biologists have also installed artificial burrow systems, which burrowing owls are known to use in addition to animal made burrows. Motion-activated game cameras near these burrows help document mating events, number of chicks, time of fledging, and presence of predators.
Travel may be discouraged while we as a nation cope with the COVID-19 virus, but getting outside in your own backyard is a great way to recharge. The Mojave Desert is home to more animals and plants than you may think. Taking a moment to explore the outdoors, breathe the fresh air, and get exercise can help us all through this difficult time.
The Fort Irwin Directorate of Public Works (DPW) has wildlife biologists on staff who are trained to safely manage wild animals creating a safety hazard or nuisance. If you have a wildlife concern, you can reach the on-call wildlife biologist directly by calling 619-288-8883. If you have any questions about the environmental department, the DPW front desk can be contacted during regular business hours at 760-380-5044. Any issues pertaining to domesticated pets should be directed to the Animal Control Facility 760-380-8564. To request insect, rodent, or dead animal removal, contact High Desert Support Services work order desk at 760-380-3539.