Example Topic Proposal

In the plains and prairies of America there lives a small, curious creature. They are seldom seen not only because they choose small burrows as their homes but also because their numbers have greatly declined in recent years. The little animal I am referring to is the burrowing owl, an owl no larger than a tall beer can which lives in regions of Florida, Canada and the western U.S. For my research paper I intend on answering the question, “What environmental factors have led decline of the burrowing owl?” I will investigate both natural causes as well as those brought about by humans and present them.

       This particular animal strikes interest in me as I have a passion for owls. The burrowing owl is my second favorite, barn owls being the first but their endangerment is really intriguing. Their mysterious characteristics were first presented to me in the novel Hoot. In the novel, their habitat is directly affected by humans as they plan to build upon the land and young pair of friends attempt to save them while they still can. I also had the opportunity to meet a pair of burrowing owls up close at the National Zoo in D.C. this past summer. They are beautiful birds that need more voices to speak out for them.

       Burrowing owls of course burrow. They live in uncultivated habitats which the dig to create their nests in holes. By living on the ground they become very vulnerable to predators. They also face obstacles finding places to live as more and more of their potential habitats are destroyed and made into shopping malls and restaraunts. It has become very difficult for them to maintain homes and families in the past few decades. As they are such a delicate species, much needs to be done to ensure their stability in the future.

       Through my research, I hope to gain a stronger understanding of how they came to be at such a difficult place. I want to learn more about them as a species; their benefits for humans and the environment. I want to learn more about the predators which threaten them and what humans have been doing to affect them as well. It would also be important to learn how they once thrived, what has changed, and when. It would also be important to know what affect the climate change and pollutants have done to affect them. Overall, I need to research them as a species as well as why they are now an endangered species.

       The library databases here at school seem to have a decent amount of information on the subject. The database GREENR is of particular interest to me based on what I’ve seen of it thus far. When I searched for burrowing owls on the site, a number of links came up which seem to have a fair amount of information. I also plan to visit the public library uptown to see what kind of books they have on both the species itself and on their decline. I believe thought those sources I should be provided with a good amount of information to create a research paper.