Paying Homage to the City Bird

A long-time tradition in the Cape paying homage and educating the public on Cape Coral’s official city bird takes place this weekend.

The 21st Annual Burrowing Owl Festival — Wildlife & Environmental Expo, put on by the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife and city Parks and Recreation Department, takes place this Saturday at Rotary Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The day offers educational programs, live animal exhibits, food, access to the butterfly house and bus tours to nearby owl burrows. Parks and Recreation will host a FUN-Mobile at the festival, offering free activities for children. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children 12 and under.

“We have burrowing owl buses, animals from Adam’s Animal Encounters, speakers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Calusa Waterkeepers, face painting and owl pellet dissection in the Children’s Corner, music and auction items to explore,” said Event Coordinator Michiale Schneider. “There is something for everyone!”