Fate of the Western Burrowing Owls
p.1 #1Fate of the Western Burrowing Owls
I photographed these Owls a little over five years ago in the vacant lot near the Ontario Airport In California. I know that there was some controversy over their displacement in favor of warehouse development in that area but I haven't been able to find any updated information regarding their fate. I have no plans to return there but just wondering if any of the locals have any info. Gary
Jun 07, 2026 at 08:53 AM
p.1 #2Fate of the Western Burrowing Owls
No info 
but stunning shots !
Ronny
but stunning shots ! Ronny
Jun 07, 2026 at 12:07 PM
p.1 #3Fate of the Western Burrowing Owls
Were I to bet, I would lean heavily towards the warehouses for the win.
Pave paradise..........
Your images, and the memories they hold, are outstanding.
©¿©
LB
Pave paradise..........
Your images, and the memories they hold, are outstanding.
©¿©
LB
Jun 07, 2026 at 02:29 PM
p.1 #4Fate of the Western Burrowing Owls
Excellent images Gary. I recall you telling the story of the debate to build or not.
Morris
Morris
Jun 07, 2026 at 03:58 PM
p.1 #5Fate of the Western Burrowing Owls
Gary, the owls lost and were relocated to a residential area, not near as nice at all.
Jun 07, 2026 at 04:19 PM
p.1 #6Fate of the Western Burrowing Owls
Spectacular set of images Gary. These little guys are so cute and just fun to watch.
Jun 07, 2026 at 05:28 PM
p.1 #7Fate of the Western Burrowing Owls
Gary,
Very fun sequence and captures
Chris S
Very fun sequence and captures
Chris S
Jun 07, 2026 at 08:05 PM
|
p.1 #8Fate of the Western Burrowing Owls
I had a trip to Southern California to see the NCAA Men's volleyball final-four, shortly after seeing your post 5 years ago. I was coming down with a head cold afterward, but spent a delightful morning shooting those owls (https://vbnut.zenfolio.com/p200712095) before driving back to Northern California and getting a COVID test the next day, which turned out positive. Fortunately it has been my only infection.
I didn't know about the warehouse, but I can't say I'm surprised. I'm certainly disappointed that they lost. It's really unfortunately as their habitat has severely diminished in California. Back in 2007 there was a place nearby where they nested, but I haven't seen any anywhere around here in 15+ years.
I didn't know about the warehouse, but I can't say I'm surprised. I'm certainly disappointed that they lost. It's really unfortunately as their habitat has severely diminished in California. Back in 2007 there was a place nearby where they nested, but I haven't seen any anywhere around here in 15+ years.
Jun 07, 2026 at 08:45 PM
p.1 #9Fate of the Western Burrowing Owls
Awesome set Gary !! Number 5 is my favorite.
John
John
Jun 08, 2026 at 07:48 AM
p.1 #10Fate of the Western Burrowing Owls
#5 
All wildlife in the world is being displaced or decimated every day. See it around our little town every year: deer, raccoons, beavers, waterfowl, etc., etc. etc.
As long as human population continues to increase so will wildlife suffer.
All wildlife in the world is being displaced or decimated every day. See it around our little town every year: deer, raccoons, beavers, waterfowl, etc., etc. etc.
As long as human population continues to increase so will wildlife suffer.
Jun 08, 2026 at 09:03 AM
p.1 #11Fate of the Western Burrowing Owls
Ronny Olsson wrote:
No info but stunning shots !
Ronny
Thanks Ronny
---------------------------------------------
LarryBeemer wrote:
Were I to bet, I would lean heavily towards the warehouses for the win.
Pave paradise..........
Your images, and the memories they hold, are outstanding.
©¿©
LB
Most likely. Thanks Larry
---------------------------------------------
morris wrote:
Excellent images Gary. I recall you telling the story of the debate to build or not.
Morris
Thanks Morris
---------------------------------------------
Bobg657 wrote:
Gary, the owls lost and were relocated to a residential area, not near as nice at all.
Appreciate the update Bob
---------------------------------------------
louie champan wrote:
Spectacular set of images Gary. These little guys are so cute and just fun to watch.
No doubt Louie
---------------------------------------------
csinseattle wrote:
Gary,
Very fun sequence and captures
Chris S
Thanks Chris
---------------------------------------------
vbnut wrote:
I had a trip to Southern California to see the NCAA Men's volleyball final-four, shortly after seeing your post 5 years ago. I was coming down with a head cold afterward, but spent a delightful morning shooting those owls (https://vbnut.zenfolio.com/p200712095) before driving back to Northern California and getting a COVID test the next day, which turned out positive. Fortunately it has been my only infection.
I didn't know about the warehouse, but I can't say I'm surprised. I'm certainly disappointed that they lost. It's really unfortunately as their habitat has severely diminished in California. Back in 2007 there was a place...Show more →
Good stuff on your site Peter. TFS
---------------------------------------------
johnohio wrote:
Awesome set Gary !! Number 5 is my favorite.
John
Thanks John
---------------------------------------------
Imagemaster wrote:
#5
All wildlife in the world is being displaced or decimated every day. See it around our little town every year: deer, raccoons, beavers, waterfowl, etc., etc. etc.
As long as human population continues to increase so will wildlife suffer.
Sad but true Tony
No info
but stunning shots ! Ronny
Thanks Ronny
---------------------------------------------
LarryBeemer wrote:
Were I to bet, I would lean heavily towards the warehouses for the win.
Pave paradise..........
Your images, and the memories they hold, are outstanding.
©¿©
LB
Most likely. Thanks Larry
---------------------------------------------
morris wrote:
Excellent images Gary. I recall you telling the story of the debate to build or not.
Morris
Thanks Morris
---------------------------------------------
Bobg657 wrote:
Gary, the owls lost and were relocated to a residential area, not near as nice at all.
Appreciate the update Bob
---------------------------------------------
louie champan wrote:
Spectacular set of images Gary. These little guys are so cute and just fun to watch.
No doubt Louie
---------------------------------------------
csinseattle wrote:
Gary,
Very fun sequence and captures
Chris S
Thanks Chris
---------------------------------------------
vbnut wrote:
I had a trip to Southern California to see the NCAA Men's volleyball final-four, shortly after seeing your post 5 years ago. I was coming down with a head cold afterward, but spent a delightful morning shooting those owls (https://vbnut.zenfolio.com/p200712095) before driving back to Northern California and getting a COVID test the next day, which turned out positive. Fortunately it has been my only infection.
I didn't know about the warehouse, but I can't say I'm surprised. I'm certainly disappointed that they lost. It's really unfortunately as their habitat has severely diminished in California. Back in 2007 there was a place...Show more →
Good stuff on your site Peter. TFS
---------------------------------------------
johnohio wrote:
Awesome set Gary !! Number 5 is my favorite.
John
Thanks John
---------------------------------------------
Imagemaster wrote:
#5
All wildlife in the world is being displaced or decimated every day. See it around our little town every year: deer, raccoons, beavers, waterfowl, etc., etc. etc.
As long as human population continues to increase so will wildlife suffer.
Sad but true Tony
Jun 09, 2026 at 07:14 AM
p.1 #12Fate of the Western Burrowing Owls
Bobg657 wrote:
Gary, the owls lost and were relocated to a residential area, not near as nice at all.
I am aware of the residential area you refer to but on several trips to the area, I have yet to see an owl.
Gary, the owls lost and were relocated to a residential area, not near as nice at all.
I am aware of the residential area you refer to but on several trips to the area, I have yet to see an owl.
Jun 10, 2026 at 11:33 PM
p.1 #13Fate of the Western Burrowing Owls
These are some great images Gary. I have never seen one, they are on my wish list.About 5 years ago one showed up on this side of the lake in the dead of winter, the birders and photographers went nuts.They figure d it’s GPS needed a recalibration. Unfortunately I didn’t see it.
Dave
Dave
Jun 13, 2026 at 05:33 AM
p.1 #14Fate of the Western Burrowing Owls
Dave_E wrote:
These are some great images Gary. I have never seen one, they are on my wish list.About 5 years ago one showed up on this side of the lake in the dead of winter, the birders and photographers went nuts.They figure d it’s GPS needed a recalibration. Unfortunately I didn’t see it.
Dave
Thanks Dave. I was fortunate enough to get a couple chances to see them. This spot in California and also once in Florida. Never managed to get any flight shots though
These are some great images Gary. I have never seen one, they are on my wish list.About 5 years ago one showed up on this side of the lake in the dead of winter, the birders and photographers went nuts.They figure d it’s GPS needed a recalibration. Unfortunately I didn’t see it.
Dave
Thanks Dave. I was fortunate enough to get a couple chances to see them. This spot in California and also once in Florida. Never managed to get any flight shots though
Jun 13, 2026 at 08:23 AM