Cape Coral’s Burrowing Owl Photo Contest is Open!
How to Enter and Tips for Photographing Burrowing Owls Safely
If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate wildlife in Cape Coral, don’t miss the return of the Burrowing Owl Photo Contest! Every spring, nature lovers and photographers across the city look forward to capturing Cape Coral’s most beloved residents — the burrowing owls. Whether you’re an amateur with a smartphone or an experienced shutterbug, this contest is your chance to showcase your photography skills and help protect these special birds. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about entering the Burrowing Owl Photo Contest Cape Coral, plus important tips on how to photograph burrowing owls safely, especially during breeding season.
Burrowing Owl Photo Contest Returns to Cape Coral
Cape Coral’s most charming locals are ready for their close-up. The 2025 Burrowing Owl Photo Contest is back, and it’s a great way to show off your photography skills while celebrating one of Florida’s most unique and beloved birds — the burrowing owl.
Hosted by Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife (CCFW), the contest runs from May 1 through May 17, 2025. It’s open to amateur photographers of all ages and experience levels. To enter, just submit your best photo of Cape Coral’s burrowing owls in their natural environment.
Photos will be judged in two age categories:
- Youth (ages 7–17)
- Adult (18 and up)
- The Grand Prize-winning photo will be featured on the official T-shirt for the 2026 Burrowing Owl Festival. All winners will be announced and celebrated during a special awards ceremony on May 31 at 12:00 PM at Rotary Park in Cape Coral.
This year’s contest will be judged by Cape Coral City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn, NBC-2 Meteorologist Rob Duns, and last year’s Grand Prize winner, Darlayne Coughlin. The awards ceremony will be hosted by WFTX Community Correspondent Bella Line. The contest is proudly sponsored by Ascendium Education Group.
You can find full contest rules and submission instructions at ccfriendsofwildlife.org. The deadline to submit your photo is May 17, 2025.
Tips for Safely Photographing Burrowing Owls
Burrowing owls are active during the day, easy to spot, and full of personality, which makes them wonderful photo subjects. But spring also happens to be their breeding season, so it’s very important to be respectful and careful around them — especially when there are owlets (baby owls) in the burrow.
Here are a few important tips to help you safely and responsibly take photos of burrowing owls in Cape Coral:
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Keep your distance. During breeding season, a buffer zone of at least 33 feet (about 10 meters) must be respected. This gives the owls space and keeps them from feeling threatened.
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Use a zoom lens or crop in. You don’t need to get close to get a great shot. A zoom lens or smartphone photo cropped in later works well and keeps the owls safe.
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Never bait or lure the owls. Do not offer food or make sounds to get their attention. This can harm their natural behavior.
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Stay outside of roped-off areas. These ropes mark protected burrows. Do not cross them for any reason.
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Avoid sudden movements or loud noises. These can scare the owls and cause stress, especially for parents caring for owlets.
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Don’t linger too long. If you notice an owl becoming agitated, pacing, or disappearing into the burrow, it’s time to step back and give them space.
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Stay on public property. If a burrow is on private land, you must have permission from the property owner to photograph there.
Remember, being respectful of wildlife is just as important as taking a great photo. When owls feel safe, they’re more likely to behave naturally — and that’s when the best photo opportunities happen.
Why Burrowing Owls Matter to Cape Coral
Burrowing owls are Cape Coral’s official city bird, and one of the few owl species that live in burrows underground. They’re often seen standing outside their sandy homes in open fields, along sidewalks, and even in empty lots. Cape Coral is home to one of the largest populations of burrowing owls in Florida.
These owls are considered a threatened species in the state, so protecting them and raising awareness about their needs is more important than ever. That’s one of the many reasons why this photo contest is so special — it helps people connect with the owls, while spreading the word about their protection.
About Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife
Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife (CCFW) is a nonprofit, volunteer-run organization that works to protect, preserve, and educate the public about Cape Coral’s unique wildlife. Since 2001, CCFW has been committed to helping endangered and threatened species — especially the burrowing owl — thrive in Cape Coral’s fast-growing urban environment.
The organization supports wildlife through projects like installing starter burrows, protecting nesting areas, leading educational tours, and hosting events like the Burrowing Owl Festival. CCFW also works with local government and developers to create a balance between wildlife protection and community growth.
More Ways to Support CCFW and Cape Coral’s Owls
Even if you’re not entering the Burrowing Owl Photo Contest, there are many ways to get involved and help support local wildlife. You can:
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Donate to CCFW to support their habitat protection projects and educational programs.
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Volunteer your time to help with events, starter burrow installations, and outreach.
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Build your own starter burrow in your yard or on your property, which not only supports the owl population but also lets you enjoy watching these fascinating birds up close. Find instructions for building a starter burrow on your property here.
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Spread the word by sharing information about Cape Coral’s burrowing owls with friends and neighbors.
To learn more about the contest, how to volunteer, donate, or get involved in building starter burrows, visit ccfriendsofwildlife.org. With community support, Cape Coral’s owls will have a safe place to call home for generations to come.
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