This species Athene cunicularia floridans  could be described as endemic as it is a subspecies of the nominate species Athene cunicularia. They are very vulnerable in South Florida do to encroachment for housing and roads  as well as all the other associated dangers that you would expect when humans inhabit an animals territory, domestic cats, interference and pesticides being just some examples. Quite interestingly the large sports parks in Broward County provide some suitable habitats.  Their nesting burrows are fenced off providing a 10 feet by 10 space that has a burrow in the middle and when there are owls in residence you will see them standing at the mouth of the burrow.  In size and aspect the burrows resemble a rabbit hole and in fact, in natural circumstances the birds use the burrows of animals such as prairie dogs etc. Obviously there are no burrowing animals in sports parks and burrows are dug to provide nesting opportunities.  However, it has been proven that these unnatural burrows are less productive – it's a lose lose situation. 

For a photographer, the roped off areas, being very noticeable give some indication of the presence of birds in an area and it is just a simple matter of checking out each nest site.  It is self evident when a site has birds in residence. Nesting activity peaks between March and mid-summer but apparently it can take place throughout the year.  The other day I went to a new venue for me – Broward County Central Park –   and was thrilled to see a few dozen nest sites and find at least 4 that had birds in residence. One was right next to a car park and close to a basketball court and it is obvious that the birds here will be exposed to a massive amount of disturbance particularly at the weekends.  It seems that users of these facilities are familiar with the birds and totally accept and in fact, ignore them as they go about their own activities.

.