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Burrowing Owl Habitat
Practices
1. Mowing is the most efficient and beneficial way
to maintain vegetation height while protecting owls. Discing and tilling
should not be implemented in known owl habitat, open grasslands, or fragmented
parcels.
2. Mowing equipment should consist of hand-held mowers or lightweight
sitting mowers to protect the integrity of burrows. Nesting habitat should
be mowed 2-4 times per breeding season. Foraging habitat should be mowed
less frequently. A burrowing owl consultant should determine a mowing
schedule dependent on owl phenology, habitat use and vegetation growth.
3. Maintain vegetation height at 6 inches in nesting habitat throughout
the year, especially during breeding season ( February 1st through August
31st ). Mow nesting habitat early in the breeding season when mate selection
occurs and maintain vegetation height to 6 inches until offspring have
fledged. Coordinate mowing with anticipated chick emergence.
4. Avoid herbicide use around active burrows. Avoid all pesticide use
in nesting and foraging habitat.
5. No dumping of compost, dirt, trash or stockpiling of building materials
should occur in owl habitat. Do not drive vehicles in open fields.
6. Restrict pedestrians and domestic animals from owl habitat. Enforce
off-leash dog regulations. Prohibit feeding of non-native animals. Exercise
control methods to eliminate owl predators such as feral cats, skunks
and red fox on campus.
7. A burrowing owl consultant should be informed prior to squirrel abatement
and any land disturbances in nesting and foraging habitat to protect owls
and their burrows.
8. Restore owl habitat by constructing and maintaining artificial burrows
and mounds. Consider reseeding with native short-grass species. Avoid
planting trees within 250 feet of owl habitat.
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