Training

See also: Burrowing Owl, Maintaining Biodiversity

On September 5, 2013, Lynne Trulio, Ph.D. presented a workshop on the biology and conservation of the Western Burrowing Owl, (Athene cunicularia hypugaea).  Dr. Trulio's research in the South San Francisco Bay region has focused on the ecology and recovery of the Burrowing Owl. She has published a variety of papers on the effects of human impact on the species, as well as the general ecology and management for the species.

This was an excellent opportunity to learn about the natural history, habitat needs, effective preservation, and implementation of agency requirements with respect to burrowing owls.  Workshop information will be useful for gaining basic knowledge of the species, conservation planning, meeting CEQA and other regulatory requirements, and for outreach to the public.

Workshop Format:

The workshop consiseds of a daytime classroom session, Thursday, September 5, 8:30am-3:00pm and enrollment in one of two field training sessions, either Thursday, September 5, 4:00p.m.-8:00p.m (after the classroom portion) or Friday, September 6, 7:00a.m.-11:00a.m. (field sites tbd).

Workshop Objectives:

• Understanding of the biology of Burrowing Owl
• Understanding of habitat management for this species.
• Understanding of how to apply information in local and large-scale conservation planning efforts.

Topics Discussed:

• Basic biology
• Identification
• Distribution/movement
• Habitat requirements
• Threats
• Survey methods
• Methods for assessing potential project impacts and approaches for avoidance and minimization.
• Management and regulatory requirements

Field training practicum:

Personal vehicles were required for traveling to the sites.  The instructor provided information on the ecology and habitat needs of burrowing owls as well as how to plan habitats for owls. In the field, participants:

• surveyed for active burrowing owl burrows and distinguished them from other burrows,
• learned to identify and sex adults in the field,
• identified chicks and their approximate age,
• determined appropriate human disturbance buffer distances, and
• viewed examples of enhancement for burrowing owl nesting and foraging habitat.

***very important***

It is important to note that no component of this workshop should be construed to apply to attendee’s ability to obtain permits related to the Burrowing Owl; if you are interested in how workshop activities might be used for permitting, you are encouraged to contact your agency permitting representative.