AWW, WATCH: Region's Burrowing Owls Thriving On Acreage Adjoining Wastewater Facility

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA – San Jose's population of the western burrowing owl, a "species of concern" in the state and nation, has increased for the fourth consecutive year because of the city's habitat management plan, a spokeswoman for the San Jose Environmental Services Department said.

Surveyors with the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society counted 25 adults and 58 chicks since breeding season started this spring. That's up from 20 adults and 46 chicks last year and 13 adults in 2013, spokeswoman
Jennie Loft said.

The San Jose-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility turned over 200 acres for the owls as part of the wastewater plant's master plan, which was adopted in 2013.

The 200 acres, which buffer the land around the plant, gives the owls space so they're not disturbed, Loft said.
"The owls like it because they're feeling protected," she said.

The western burrowing owl has seen large decreases in population in the last several decades mostly because of habitat loss, city officials said.

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--Bay City News/Images via San José Environment