arizona news
Has been updated: February 11, 2023 5:12 PM
(Twitter photo/GCU news)
PHOENIX — Congratulations to the birds that won the Superb Owl contest in Arizona.
It’s not the Philadelphia Eagles playing Sunday in Super Bowl 7, but the iron-like pygmy owls of much smaller cacti that live in the mesquite bushes of southern Arizona.
Audubon Southwest and Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company saw an opportunity to combine their bird conservation and beer initiatives with the town’s Super Bowl.
Partners set up a Superb Owl social media bracket contest that included native Arizona owls to help people learn more about local raptors.
The pygmy owl defeated the great horned owl and the burrowing owl in the final round of their version of the Lombardi Trophy.
“I don’t think people realize how many species of owls live in Arizona,” said Ashley Benson, head brewer at Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company. Audubon Society.
The exercise also promoted Arizona Wilderness’ recently launched “Superb Owl” beer. Arizona Wilderness strives for sustainability by using a special type of low water malted barley grown in Arizona.
There are 18 species of owls in North America and 13 species of owls in Arizona that primarily hunt at night. According to the Audubon Society, owls can be found in a variety of environments, including suburbs in Arizona, coniferous forests, and throughout the desert.
The cactus iron pygmy owl is proposed to be endangered under the Endangered Species Act. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Mainly due to habitat loss.
The winning bird announcement and beer launch took place at the first Birds ‘N Beer event since 2019. This event allows community members to learn about local leaflets and conservation efforts.
“Events like Birds n’ Beer bring people from all walks of life together and bring people in touch with the fact that they have a voice,” said Haley Paul, policy director at Audubon Southwest. “They have the ability to change what is happening and they can participate.”
Audubon Society Lists More Ways to Help Arizona’s Owls online.
