The Owl & the Ground Hog.

At one point while stationed in Florida, I was enjoying observing a large area that had burrowing owls and ground hogs. Now the little owl I had been watching for some weeks had its own snug burrow.

It was the only creature that went in and out of it. On occasion I did see another owl enter and leave, but no other creature ventured to the mouth of the burrow.

By the same token, I was able to observe that two different ground hogs each had their own home. well, in fact they shared several different entrances and exit points, but they never entered the others' home.

One day, as I sat motionless, I saw a large hawk soaring over head. It suddenly dove down and swooped close to the ground hogs who had been happily feeding upon the lush grass and dandelions.

At that moment both ground hogs were close to the little owls den and both dove for it in a state of panic, much to the dismay of the owl who had also decided to scramble into the security of his den.

I would have never believed it possible, but both ground hogs and the owl managed to disappear underground. I presume the owl's mate was already down there so I imagined it was probably close quarters down there.

After a while, when they thought it was safe, one ground hogs head appeared, then the other. There was clearly no room for the owl to peek out!

When the ground hogs were sure it was safe, they went racing from the owls den back to the safety of their own dens. Much to the relief of the owl.

The owl reappeared moments after his uninvited company was gone and resumed his outlook position at his burrow.

I had heard tales that a burrowing owl may share his home with prairie dogs or ground hogs, but I had also been told that was a myth. Now I knew for certain it was true. I guess it is like "any port in a storm."

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