Installing artificial burrows Published Feb. 28, 2013 By Dustin Akins Kirtland AFB Natural Resources KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. -- As a federal installation, Kirtland AFB abides by all federal law regarding preservation of migratory birds that use the base for habitat, including burrowing owls, a small species that nests underground. For 15 years, burrowing owl populations on base have been declining. Each year proves to be less and less productive for the owls, with 2012 being the lowest ever recorded here for the species. Some high-profile areas of the base that need to be mowed and maintained are sites that have been used annually by burrowing owls to nest and produce offspring. Owls that nest and have offspring in a given burrow are likely to return to the same burrow or a nearby one the next year, to nest again and have more offspring. In February, Kirtland AFB Natural Resources, with Support from Chugach Management Services, constructed artificial burrows for the base's burrowing owl population. To meet mission requirements and mitigate the loss of natural burrows, biologists and grounds crew members created artificial burrows near the natural ones that were removed. Base biologists say they hope that owls returning to the area will use the new artificial burrows.