Thousands flock to Burrowing Owl Fest

Nearly 20 years ago, the Burrowing Owl Festival started out with a few vendors and a couple hundred people dedicated to the official city bird.

On Saturday, thousands of people came to Rotary Park, some of them having to walk a half mile because it was the closest place to park, to learn not only about the owl, but to see other animals and learn about how we can do our part to save the bird, other species and the environment.

Lori Haus-Bulcock, an event organizer, said the 18th annual festival serves as the biggest fundraiser for the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife and commemorates nesting season for the burrowing owls, which happens from December through May.