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Citizen Science
 The New Mexico Burrowing Owl Working Group welcomes the participation of the general public through a citizen science observation project. On behalf of the group, Hawks Aloft compiles observations of owls, and nearly every county in New Mexico has been represented. In 2007, we compiled observations of 300 Burrowing Owls from 14 counties in New Mexico. Thanks everyone for sharing your observations - we look forward to receiving your 2008 observations!
Some of the observations provided by the public have been associated with observations of immediate threats (excavation of an active nest burrow, for example), allowing us to work cooperatively to protect those owls. The citizen science project has inspired many New Mexico residents to watch over “their” owls through the years and spread awareness throughout their neighborhoods.
Burrowing Owl Observations
The New Mexico Burrowing Owl Working Group welcomes your participation. Click here to download the New Mexico Burrowing Owl Working Group brochure. The brochure contains information about the group and an observation form for submitting your Burrowing Owl observations. Feel free to print (8.5 x 14 inch) and distribute this brochure.
The observation form contained in the brochure can be mailed to:
Hawks Aloft, Inc.
Attention: Burrowing Owl Working Group
P.O. Box 10028
Albuquerque, NM 87184
We also invite you to submit your observations using our new online observation form.
Neighborhood Owl Watch!
Did you know that you might have Burrowing Owls in your neighborhood? During the spring and summer, these small owls use old burrows, often abandoned prairie dog holes, that occur in undeveloped patches of land in the Albuquerque metro area (as well as other urban and open areas in the western states). These patches are sometimes quite small and may occur in close proximity to highways and urban structures. Although you might consider a Burrowing Owl to be an unusual neighbor, the owls make themselves right at home, using the burrows for nesting and shelter. They use the surrounding land to hunt for insects, small rodents, and reptiles.
With increasing development in metropolitan areas, many of our owl neighbors will be disturbed, and possibly lose their homes. Here in the Albuquerque area, we are proud of our growing community and recognize the importance of development. However, we are concerned with the timing of a disturbance. If excavation of a burrow occurs while the owls are nesting, the eggs, the young owls, or even the adults, might be destroyed. Impacts can be reduced by establishing a protective buffer around active burrows or by conducting activities outside the breeding season, when most owls in this area migrate south for the winter.
As citizens, you can help protect Burrowing Owls. If you find a Burrowing Owl, we would like to hear about it. By visiting your owls occasionally, not only can you enjoy one of nature’s marvels, but you can watch out for any immediate threats to their homes (remember to observe them from a respectful distance). If an active nest appears to be threatened by human activity, we can help by putting you in contact with the appropriate regulatory agency. Through your efforts in the past, buffers were established around several active burrows in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and Corrales, New Mexico allowing construction or maintenance crews to do their job while at the same time ensuring the protection of the adult Burrowing Owls and their young. Your continuing efforts also promote further awareness of Burrowing Owls in our community.
Please fill out the online submission form if you would like to report your Burrowing Owl sighting, or contact us if you have any questions about Burrowing Owls.
Burrowing Owl Webcam
Click here to check out the live Burrowing Owl web cam at the PNM Reeves Station in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
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