Release-an-Owl Sponsorship Program — Pelican Harbor Seabird Station

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Release-An-Owl Sponsorship Program

Eastern Screech Owls are one of the most common owl species in Miami-Dade. Each year, PHSS admits upwards of 50 of these small raptors for reasons ranging from cat attacks to window collisions. 

Screech Owls are cavity nesters, often utilizing dead trees (also known as snags) to build nests and raise their young. 

We are proud to offer the opportunity for members of our community to help support our local owl population by sponsoring an owl release on their property. With the installation of a wooden nesting box, homeowners can help create a habitat to encourage nesting in their own backyards!

Requirements:

  • Property must be deemed an appropriate habitat prior to scheduling a release. This includes:

    • A stable tree or pole >10’ in height

    • Adequate tree coverage

    • No apparent dangers to wildlife

    • Property owner(s) must not have outdoor cats

Interested in sponsoring an Eastern Screech Owl release? Submit the form below and a member of our team will follow up with you soon!

FAQ

  • The owl released will be an Eastern Screech Owl, Florida's smallest native owl species.

  • The $600 sponsorship goes towards the installation and purchase of the nesting box, as well as covers the costs of care to raise and treat the owl for almost sixty days. You are essentially "sponsoring" the patient's treatment and subsequent release!

    (If you would like to sponsor a release without the installation of a nest box, the sponsorship is $500)

  • This is a wild animal, so we do not guarantee that the owl will stay on your property and/or utilize the nesting box.

  • Eastern Screech Owls are a federally protected species, meaning that any attempt to contain, possess, or otherwise make contact with the bird is illegal. 

  • Once installed, the nest box becomes the property of the homeowner. There is a chance that it may become occupied by non-native starlings or honeybees in which case we would not be responsible for removal.