|
Home
About HOP Returning Baby Projects & Partners |
Our mission is to reduce the need for harmful pesticides & rodenticides by encouraging natural predators, through conservation of habitat, erecting nest boxes when appropriate, through research & education, and by providing a resource of help and information on alternative methods of sustainable pest management. Started in 2002, The Hungry Owl Project (HOP) operates under the non-profit WildCare: Terwilliger Nature Education & Wildlife Rehabilitation. HOP promotes the use of Barn Owls and other predators in natural pest control, eliminating the need for dangerous poisons and pesticides. Alternative methods are available that are successful in the long run, and promote the natural harmony essential for our continued survival on this planet. We are based in Marin County, California. Our interest in Barn Owls grew with the realization of their major decline, especially in the Midwest, where due to mass cultivation; nesting sites (old barns, silos and cavities in trees) are all but non-existent. The massive use of pesticides contributes to their decline. In California, they continue to thrive in relatively high numbers, but their survival depends on two important factors: preservation of their nest sites and habitat, and safe methods of pest and disease control. Billions of tons of chemicals are sprayed each year on our lands. Our concern is the impact of these chemicals on human health, as well as the harm to wildlife. A number of human diseases have been linked with widespread pesticide use. Due to indiscriminate spraying, both the pest and the natural predator are killed. Rat poisons (rodenticides) also can kill household pets if a poisoned rodent is consumed. Many extermination companies do not properly inform consumers of the dangers of the chemicals being placed in their home. It is important for consumers to know and research the ingredients in any poisons used to control pests before using them around animals and children. See: Raptors & Rodenticides—A deadly combination.
We install boxes in urban areas, parks and farms, where gophers and other rodents are a problem. Before a box is erected it is important that rodenticides (marketed as d-Con, Talon and other names) and pesticides are no longer used, otherwise the boxes will remain empty. Part of our goal is to educate and provide alternative methods when possible and help create a "win, win" situation for all. A year ago, we began a study analyzing the pellets of wild Barn Owls. We wanted to determine whether gophers in particular (being a common pest) were part of their natural prey base here in Sonoma & Marin counties. Although the study is not complete, the results conclude that gophers are definitely on the menu, as well as mice, rats and various other rodents. We would like to continue and expand this study to include vineyards. Many interesting and valuable studies are possible. Last winter we installed two video cameras in an active nest box. We have taped the whole mating, egg incubation and chick rearing process. We are currently editing hundreds of hours of footage, and creating a documentary that will aid biologists, wildlife centers and schools in learning more about these mysterious birds.
The Hungry Owl Project works with the public to find solutions in situations where owls may nest in inappropriate places. In 2002 a pair of barn owls was discovered raising a family inside the tower of the Marin Civic Center during a construction and restoration project. By working with the Civic Center management and the construction company, the owls were able to raise their family and five owls safely fledged from the tower. We will continue to learn more about these silent hunters of the night, in order create a rich and safe habitat for both the owl and humans alike. For information about alternative methods of pest control please visit our Rodenticides page.
For information about The Hungry Owl Project please contact: Acknowledgements HOP is a small group of dedicated volunteers, supplemented & sustained by members of the community who support us, build boxes for us, and help us in many ways. Alex Godbe, Director Special thanks to the following groups and individuals for their invaluable help & support of our project: Jim Cairnes, Small
World Tree Service To make a donation to the Hungry Owl Project please send a check payable to WildCare/HOP to: HOP, 179 The Alameda, San Anselmo, CA 94960
|
|
|
|
||
With these issues in mind, we began the Hungry Owl Project to manufacture and erect owl boxes. Vineyards are a good place to start—by encouraging owls, vineyard owners can enjoy these beautiful birds, and also appreciate their hunting abilities. Owls can consume a third of their body weight per night, and a family of five can consume 3000 rodents in a breeding season. Not only is this a safer method of pest control, but far more appealing.
We include school children in ongoing projects by making presentations and soliciting their help in building owl boxes. Students at the Hall Middle School in Larkspur recently constructed 20 Screech owl boxes for us. An Eagle Scout troop in Mill Valley built 30 barn owl boxes for our project. So far over 100 boxes have been installed at ranches, farms, vineyard, and private homes.