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always for the community VOL 21 NO 3 March 2016
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SPOTLIGHT
Montair Elementary principal named national “20 to Watch” Education Technology Leader The National School Boards Association’s (NSBA) Technology Leadership Network (TLN) announced that Adam Welcome, Principal of Montair Elementary in Danville is one of “20 to Watch” honorees for 2015-2016. He is one of 20 education leaders from across the country who are being recognized for their ability to inspire colleagues to explore and embrace innovative
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Mt. Diablo’s peregrine falcon nesting sites will be off limits to hikers through July 31. This includes the Castle Rock area near Walnut Creek, so the rock formations are closed to the public. Access is often gained through East Bay Regional Parks Stage Road Trail through Castle Rock Park. Signs are posted. (See article page 11.)
Meet the Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) By James Hale
The Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) may be found in open landscapes throughout Canada, and North and South America. Grasslands, rangelands, deserts, agricultural areas, and dry open space with low vegetation are preferred habitats of this small, longlegged owl. In many Neotropical countries, they are widespread and common. Deforestation has allowed them to spread in some regions bordering the Amazon Rainforest. The Western Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) is a subspecies of special concern in California and throughout much of its range in the western United States of America. It is threatened in Colorado and Mexico, and endangered in Canada. Birds that breed in Canada and the northern United States of America usually migrate south during the winter months to avoid inclement
weather. Loss of habitat due to sprawling housing tracts, light industrial complexes, “power shopping centers”, and other uses have seriously threatened populations in Contra Costa County and throughout their range. Secondary poisoning from ingesting poisoned rodents is another problem affecting local populations. Control programs for prairie dogs and ground squirrels, and loss of habitat are the major causes for declining populations in North America. The Burrowing Owl has adapted to its open grassland habitat by developing long legs for pursuing prey. Beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, such as the Darkling Beetle (Eleodes armata), are local favorites because of their large size. The Potato Bug or Jerusalem Cricket (Stenopelmatus fuscus)
is another desired food that provides a massive meal. The undigestable hard parts from the exoskeletons of these prey, such as the jaws, legs, and wing elytras, are regurgitated in the owls pellets and reveal insight to their diet. Most of their hunting is from dusk until dawn, when they use their night vision and keen hearing to their advantage. However unlike most owls, they are often active during the day, and will wait on a perch until they spot their prey. Their flight is low and undulating, and sometimes they will hover like a kestrel before diving on their prey. A wide variety of invertebrates, including termites, scorpions, and crickets, comprise about one third of their diet. Small vertebrates, such as mice, lizards, frogs, toads, and even
birds make up the other two thirds of their food. Unlike other owls, they also eat fruits and seeds, such as the prickly pear and cholla. Adult burrowing owls are boldly spotted and barred, while juveniles lack markings on their breast and are buffy below. Both adults and juveniles have bright eyes, prominent white eyebrows and a white “chin” patch which they expand and display during certain behaviors, such as bobbing of the head and body
This month’s Special Section:
Spring Home & Garden pages 8-9
See OWLS page 5