San José Gives a ‘Hoot’!

Known for its piercing yellow eyes, adorable chicks, and standing just nine inches tall, the Western burrowing owl is a California state species of special concern that’s thriving on the bufferlands at the San José-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility in northern San José.

Through San José’s Master Plan for the Regional Wastewater Facility, approximately 200 acres of land are set aside as habitat for the burrowing owl. San José partners with the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Agency to manage and improve the habitat, as well as track and monitor the owls, which live in abandoned ground squirrel burrows or in artificial burrows that have been installed as part of the project.

Thank You to Our Partners