History

Started in 2001, The Hungry Owl Project (HOP) is a partnerhsip with WildCare, a non-profit education and wildlife rehabilitation center in Marin County, CA. HOP promotes the use of Barn Owls and other beneficial predators for natural pest control, eliminating the need for dangerous poisons and pesticides. The use of beneficial predators, through the use of nesting boxes and raptor perches, is but one aspect of a complete Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM). IPM utilizes non-toxic methods to control and eliminate insects and rodents.

Our interest in Barn Owls grew with the realization of their major decline, especially in the Midwest. The replacement of family farms by industrialized, intensive farming has eliminated nesting sites (old barns, silos and cavities in trees). 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 control.

Why

Billions of tons of chemicals are dumped each year on our lands. Our concern is the impact of these chemicals on human health and to wildlife. A number of human diseases have been linked with widespread pesticide use. Due to indiscriminate use of chemicals, both the pest and the natural predator are killed. Rat poisons (rodenticides) also kill household pets if a poisoned rodent is consumed (secondary poisoning). Rodenticides accumlate in the tissues, so if a coyote eats a poisoned rodent and a mountain lion eats the coyote, for example, the mountain lion will have the chemical in its tissues. Deceased pumas have been found as victims of tertiary rodenticide poisoning. Many pest control companies do not inform consumers of the dangers of the chemicals being placed in and around their home, and some knowingly mislead customers by telling them the poison they are using will not harm birds, this is simply not true. It is important for consumers to know and research the ingredients in any poisons used to control pests before using them. We believe there are NO safe rodenticides.

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. Additionally, wine growing is a monoculture type of intensive farming, so providing safe nesting sites, in the form of owl boxes, can somewhat mitigate the loss of habitat. Many vineyards are now growing organically and nest boxes are an important element of their pest control.

What

We install boxes in residential areas, parks, open space, ranches, golf courses, and farms - anywhere 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 beneficial predators will be attracted to a nest site that is inherently unsafe. One poisoned rodent, fed to a nest of Barn Owl chicks, can wipe out the entire nest. Our goal is to educate and provide alternative methods when possible and help create a "win, win" situation for all.

Many interesting and valuable studies are possible. A few years ago we began installing video cameras in active nest boxes. We have documented the entire mating, egg incubation and chick rearing process. We created a short documentary that will aid biologists, wildlife centers and schools in learning more about these mysterious birds.

We include school children in ongoing projects by making presentations, engaging them in owl pellet dissection, and soliciting their help in building owl boxes. Students at the Hall Middle School in Larkspur 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 500 boxes have been installed at ranches, farms, vineyard, and private homes.

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.

Who

The Hungry Owl Project, is run by a small group of dedicated volunteers, through a fiscal arrangement with WildCare. WildCare advocates for wildlife for a sustainable world through programs in wildlife rehabilitation and environmental education, and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, tax identification #51-0172331. For that reason, a small percentage (7%) of your purchase price or donation to the Hungry Owl Project will be applied to administrative expenses at WildCare.

We are sustained by members of the community who build boxes for us, help fund raise and and provide support in many ways.

Alex Godbe, Director
Joe Fox - Assistant to the Director & your contact to purchase owl boxes or plans
Maggie Rufo and Trinka Marris
Mary Blake - our wonderful artist
Anne Ardillo - Co-founder, Baskets for Birds
Jack Putnam - Consultant & Vineyard Monitoring Program
Lorri Gong
Mari Litsky - Bluebird Program

The staff of WildCare - WildCare advocates for wildlife for a sustainable world through programs in wildlife rehabilitation and environmental education.

Special thanks to the following groups and individuals for their invaluable help & support of our project:

Jim Cairnes, Small World Tree Service
Debbie & Herb Rowland
Charlotte Torgovitsky, Marin Art & Garden Center
Margareta Luff
Darren Davis
Mike Gallagher
Camille Gazeau
Golden Gate Raptor Observatory
Phil Johnson, MMWD
Joe Mueller, College of Marin
John Wick and Peggy Rathmann
Melanie Donaghy and George Livingstone

Wookie the Barn Owl
Vladimir the Turkey Vulture
Phoenix the Red-shouldered Hawk
Hibou the Great Horned Owl (in memoriam)
Kali the Red-Tailed Hawk (in memoriam)

Available Positions

All positions are volunteer or possibly internships. We are looking for help in the following areas:
Owl Box Inventory Manager: Part-time position with responsibility for maintaining and preparing Hungry Owl Project's inventory of owl boxes for sale.

Development Associate: Part-time position with responsibility for identifying and working to obtain potential foundation, government, and private funding sources for the Hungry Owl Project.

Database Programmer: to help edit and update our Access database.

For information, questions, or to discuss any of the above positions, please contact us at info@hungryowl.org.