Burrowing Owls in Danger

This is a real possibility if things keep going in that direction.

There are, of course some isolated habitats where Burrowing Owls thrive, or at least exist in small pockets of habitat.

This is to a large degree thanks to the owners of the property not being part of the problem.

How are they not part of the problem and are instead part of the salvation of these wonderful little birds?

These individuals seem to understand that there is a bigger picture, a larger consequence at stake.

They seem to cherish the land and all things on it.

Most of these people believe in a "live and let live" attitude. And so, creatures thrive as does the earth itself.

The little burrowing owl is so unique in so many ways.

It hunts during the day; uses unoccupied ground dwellings which could be abandoned prairie homes or rabbit burrows for example. This is unlike all other species of owl. They hunt at night, live up high off the ground in tree holes, barns or build nests.

The burrowing owl has one other trait that makes itself a prime target for careless target practice. It does not flee when it sees a human. Because of this it has been shot for "fun."

It would be wonderful if those that needed to shoot something would simply put up a target, or a can or bottle.

I cannot imagine why a person carrying a gun would feel proud to kill one of theses charming creatures. But it happens.

The question of what worth a species has should not be, "does it speak our language or understand?"

The question should be, "can it suffer? Can it feel pain?"

If so, isn't it worth refraining from senseless killing for the sake of target practice?

Go To Page: 1