For some, burrowing owls are a passion; for others, an obsession. For Betty Gilbert it is a little bit of both, with some professional curiosity thrown in for good measure.
Gilbert’s new book “Buffy The Burrowing Owl” is a real-life story of one baby owl from birth to maturity, seen through the lens — and the imagination — of the author.
The book gives a detailed and picture-esque account of the owl Gilbert dubbed “Buffy,” making the tome equal parts educational and whimsical.
“I watched these birds through different seasons,” Gilbert said. “They are so different from any bird I’ve ever seen. They are so family oriented, very protective of one another, very mannerly.”
Gilbert lived in Cape Coral from 1989 to 2003. After Hurricane Charley destroyed much of her home, she decided to pack up and head north to Ocala where she still resides.
Even though she left the Cape, her love of the burrowing owl stuck with her, and now she has a brand new book — which will be distributed in major bookstores including Barnes and Noble — due in early 2009.
Gilbert already has a sequel planned. Tentatively titled “The Tale of Hungry Buford the Burrowing Owl,” the story follows Buffy’s male sibling as he greedily demands all the food in his family’s burrow.
“The second book is different, Buford is just greedy,” Gilbert said. “He’s hungry. He doesn’t care how he gets the food, he just wants to eat.”
These two books could possibly mark the beginning of a long publishing career for Gilbert, who envisions a series of wildlife themed books.
She received support from the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife, which will eventually earn a percentage of every book Gilbert personally sells.
“We’re trying to get enough property to move the owls so they can build their own village and their own place,” Gilbert said. “Saving the owls is what it’s all about.”
Gilbert will sign books in the Cape over the next two weeks.
On Saturday, she will sell and sign copies of her book in front of the Red Barn at the Downtown Street Market, 4711 Vincennes Blvd, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Gilbert next moves to Oasis Middle School on Jan. 8 at 6:30 p.m. for sales and signings.
Finally, she will be stationed in front of June’s Hallmark during the Cape Coral Festival of the Arts, Jan. 10-11, starting at 10 a.m., where she will again sign and sell copies of her book.
For more information, contact the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife at 980-2593.