Chino, CA – Chaffey College faculty and students, as well as bird experts will flock to the Chino campus on Dec. 1 to educate the community about the burrowing owls that live on the college grounds.

The second annual “Burrowing Owl Festival” will include owl observations, interactive presentations about owls, conservation and research, bird walks, as well as activities for children.

Professor of Biology Robin Ikeda said the event is important because residents of the Inland Empire may have limited information about the birds and why their protection is important.

“Burrowing owls used to be abundant throughout the valleys of the Inland Empire, but like the rest of the country, those numbers have dwindled,” Ikeda said. “Chaffey College is fortunate to be home to a significant colony of owls in Chino and we are proud to educate the campus and surrounding community about these fascinating creatures.”

Burrowing owls are federally protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the United States, Canada and Mexico. They are endangered in Minnesota, threatened in Colorado and considered a species of concern in numerous states, including California.

A survey conducted on Nov. 10 by Chaffey faculty and students revealed that 15 owls were living at the campus. Faculty and students have plans to work with zoologists and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to track the birds using identification bands and mounted cameras. Data will be shared with researchers worldwide through databases, Ikeda said.

Who: Chaffey College faculty, students and staff, as well as the Pomona Valley Audubon Society and zoologist Peter Bloom.

What: The second annual “Burrowing Owl Festival,” which includes presentations and educational activities. Owls will be observed from a distance with binoculars and spotting scopes. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own binoculars.

When: 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday Dec. 1

Where: Chaffey College Chino campus, 5897 College Park Ave., Chino. The central location of the event will be in building CHHC-202, upstairs in the health sciences building.