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| Web URL(s): | http://archive.lib.msu.edu/tic/rpr/2000/72230,%20U%20Arizona,%20Conway.PDF
Last checked: 02/15/2013
Requires: PDF Reader |
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| Publication Type:
| Report |
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| Material Type: | Manuscript |
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| Monographic Author(s): | Conway, Courtney J.; Smith, Matthew D. |
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| Monograph Title: | Burrowing Owl Conservation on Golf Courses in North America: Annual Report - November 2000, 2000. |
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| Publishing Information: | Tucson, Arizona: Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Arizona |
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| # of Pages: | 14 |
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| Collation: | 14 pp. |
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| Geographic Terms: | North America |
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| Abstract/Contents: | "Burrowing Owl populations are declining throughout their range in North America yet large-scale conservation programs to reverse declines are lacking. Burrowing Owls are attracted to golf courses for foraging because they prefer short grass, open areas. Burrowing Owls rely on existing burrows in which to nest and limited burrow availability is thought to be one factor contributing to population declines. Golf courses across the country could place a major role in helping to restore Burrowing Owl populations if nesting burrows were made available on local golf courses. Our project involves installing artificial nesting burrows on 7 golf courses in eastern Washington. We will expand our project nationally to golf courses around the country if our pilot study demonstrates that Burrowing Owls can successfully locate and use artificial nesting burrows on golf courses. The end result will be a publishable pamphlet that can be distributed to superintendents and grounds crews at golf courses around the country instructing them exactly how and where to install successful nesting burrows. The pamphlet will also provide a list of materials needed, cost, and where to purchase the materials. This year was the first year of our Wildlife Links project and we have already installed 104 artificial nesting burrows on our 7 partner golf courses in eastern Washington. WE have also installed an additional 86 artificial nesting burrows in areas off golf courses so that we will be able to compare burrow occupancy on and off golf courses. We have also located 133 natural burrows so that we will be able to compare reproductive success of golf course burrows with natural burrows. The first year of our pilot study was focused on installing large numbers of artificial burrows so that we could monitor occupancy and success in years 2 and 3. Most burrows were installed after owls returned from migration (Feb - Apr) so we assumed next year would be the first year that we might observe use by Burrowing Owls. To our surprise, we observed owls at 3 of our artificial burrows already this summer. These were owls nested elsewhere (in a natural burrow) but were able to find and use the artificial burrow later in the nesting season. These initial observations were surprising (we did not expect owls to locate and use our burrows so quickly) and give us reason to believe that our project shows great promise. In the coming year (2001), we plan to install an additional 40 nesting burrows on partner golf courses in eastern Washington. We also plan to monitor our approximately 400 burrows (natural and artificial both on and off golf courses) weekly so that we can compare occupancy and reproductive success. We are considering expanding our pilot study to include partner golf courses in southern Arizona (Phoenix and Tucson area) for the coming year. Although our project is just getting underway, we have generated substantial positive media coverage for our Wildlife Links project locally, regionally, and nationally. All of this media attention has credited the U.S. Golf Association and the Wildlife Links program in particular." |
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| Language: | English |
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| References: | 11 |
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| See Also: | See also related summary article, "Burrowing owl conservation on golf courses", 2000 Turfgrass and Environmental Research Summary [USGA], 2000, p. 81, R=72230. R=72230 |
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| Note: | Pictures, color
Figures
Tables
Includes appendix: "Installation instructions for artificial nesting burrows on a golf course"; pp. 13-14
"Annual Report - November 2000" |
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| ASA/CSSA/SSSA Citation (Crop Science-Like - may be incomplete):
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Last checked: 02/15/2013
Requires: PDF Reader |
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