The burrowing owl is Cape Coral’s official bird, but it’s also an unofficial steward of a specialized type of tourism.
The ninth annual Burrowing Owl Festival, which takes place next Saturday at Rotary Park, is a draw for “eco-tourists”, travelers who are drawn to visit protected animals or areas.
Eco-tourists travel thousands of miles to be part of the Burrowing Owl fest, according to Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife volunteer Pascha Donaldson.
Donaldson said eco-tourists travel from as far away as Europe and Australia to get a glimpse of the rare little bird.
“We have helped to put the city on the national and international map,” Donaldson said. “People now know where Cape Coral is, and people fly here because we’re one of the only places that has these birds.”
Former Cape Coral Councilmember Dolores Bertolini was instrumental in making the burrowing owl Cape Coral’s official bird roughly six years ago.
Bertolini said the bird is unique because they essentially live amongst the population, often making their homes in front yards and residential areas.
Bertolini said she thought the festival would be a success when it started nine years ago, she just didn’t know how much of a success it would become.
“After the first year we realized there was a market for it, but it’s been taken to a whole other level,” she said. “We knew there was a future, we just didn’t realize how much.”
Donaldson said thousands of people attend the festival each year.
2010 saw the festival battling cold weather and rain, the “most miserable day” as described by Donaldson, but she hopes to pull upwards of 5,000 this year.
Not only is education the goal, but so is inspiring people to build and maintain their own burrowing owl nests in their front yards.
The Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife shows residents how to build and maintain the nests.
“It would be wonderful to be able to publicize around the world that everyone in Cape Coral has their own little pet owl. You don’t have to do anything, you don’t have to feed it, you don’t have to change kitty litter, you just watch them and take pictures if you want,” Donaldson said.
The ninth annual Burrowing Owl Festival is Saturday, Feb 26, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., at Rotary Park Environmental Center.
Activities will include a children’s craft corner, burrowing owl and nature tours, live animals, a silent auction, educational speakers, bird walks, exhibitor display and demonstrations of installing starter burrows, perch making and burrow maintenance.
There’s a $5 requested donation and children under 12 are free.
It’s sponsored by the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife and Cape Coral Parks and Recreation.