Burrowing Owl populations have drastically declined in many parts of their North American range over the last 30 years. Once common in grasslands, this species is listed as federally endangered in Canada since 1995, threatened in Mexico since 1994, and has special status as endangered, threatened, or a species of special concern in 11 states in the United States. In California, the Burrowing Owl was listed as a Species of Special Concern in 1978.

The conversion of grasslands to urban areas or agriculture, associated ground-disturbing activities (e. g., disking, trenching, and bulldozing), and the eradication of burrowing mammals are among the factors contributing to the population decline. Habitat conversion reduces natural burrow availability, foraging area, and prey abundance. As a consequence, owls are displaced from previously occupied areas, and their breeding opportunities may be reduced.

The San Francisco Bay Area, historically one of four primary Burrowing Owl nesting areas in California, has suffered steep population declines during the last 30 years. For many years, our Environmental Advocate (Shani Kleinhaus), Burrowing Owl Project Managers and Lead Biologists (Phil Higgins and Sandra Menzel), along with many volunteers and supporters, have been diligently advocating for the preservation, restoration, and enhancement of the Burrowing Owl and its habitat in the Santa Clara Valley and beyond.

 2024 Burrowing Owl Update

With other conservation groups, SCVAS petitioned the California Fish and Game Commission to protect five imperiled populations of the western Burrowing Owl under the California Endangered Species Act. The petition seeks endangered status for Burrowing Owls in southwestern California, central-western California and the San Francisco Bay Area, and threatened status for Burrowing Owls in the Central Valley and southern desert range. 

Only 21 Burrowing Owl pairs nested successfully (meaning, fledged at least one chick) in the South Bay Area in 2023. Almost all of the breeding birds came from conservation programs that were sponsored by the Valley Habitat Agency — the Juvenile Burrowing Owl Overwintering Program and the Captive Breeding Program. Habitat management programs, including artificial burrows, removal of invasive plant species and plantings of California Native species helped create viable habitat and provide food and shelter to the owls. 

At this time, the Burrowing Owls of the Bay Area are dependent on human intervention to avoid extirpation. SCVAS staff and volunteers continue to advocate for the owls and to implement habitat enhancements, but it is also time that our state recognizes that the owls are in fact endangered, and provide them with a more protective status!

Volunteer Opportunities

April 13 and May 4, 9:00am - 12:00pm

Volunteers will work to remove non-native invasive vegetation from the mounds and berms used by breeding Burrowing Owls in preparation for the upcoming breeding season. Volunteers are recommended to wear waterproof shoes or rubber boots for this workday. Tools and gloves are provided.

Volunteers must be 18 or older to participate, no exceptions.

Please contact programs@scvas.org if interested for further information.