A recent oiled bird patient is a reminder that International Bird Rescue’s specialized decontamination efforts often include non-aquatic bird species. The latest unusual bird that came into care was a Western Burrowing Owl.
This owl, native to grasslands, shrublands, and deserts, wound up in the Pacific Ocean in Santa Barbara County on October 8, 2024. The circumstances of how it ended up in the water are unknown, but as it was struggling to survive, it became contaminated by oil, rendering its feathers useless for insulation and flight. Without intervention, this little owl’s chances of survival would have been slim.
Once stabilized, the bird was thoroughly washed by Wildlife Rehabilitation Technician Jeanette Bates and Wildlife Rehabilitation Intern Roaa Abdalla. Light sedation was used to keep the bird calm during the wash process. Now clean, it has been transferred back to the Santa Barbara Wildlife Network for continued care until it’s released back into the wild.
Bird Rescue’s two California wildlife centers are central to the Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN) providing important and safe care for oiled and contaminated wildlife. Washing and collection of used water is safely undertaken to meet stringent state requirements on storage and disposal of waste water.
The Fight to Save Burrowing Owls in California
Burrowing Owls are one of the smallest owls, approximately seven to 10 inches tall, and they are the only owl species to nest underground. They have been facing significant challenges due to development, agriculture, and clean energy projects all of which contribute to habitat loss.
California wildlife policymakers have chosen to protect the Burrowing Owl as they evaluate the possibility of classifying the rapidly declining species as endangered or threatened. Last week, the state Fish and Game Commission unanimously voted to designate this bird as a candidate for permanent protections under state law, while also taking into account the views of stakeholders from potentially impacted industries. More information can be found in a recent article published by the Los Angeles Times.
Burrowing Owls are quickly approaching localized extinction in the Bay Area, where fewer than 25 breeding pairs remain, according to the Center for Biological Diversity. Only about 225 breeding pairs are left in central-western and southwestern California. Numbers are also declining in the Central Valley, which has fewer than 1,500 breeding pairs, mostly in the southern Central Valley.
As urban development and agricultural practices continue to threaten these habitats, every rescued owl represents a chance to raise awareness about their plight. By ensuring this owl receives the care it needs and is ultimately returned to a safe environment, we take a step toward protecting not just one bird, but the future of its entire species.