Hey! Anyone in the U.K. who has been involved in the process of regulation and is involved w/ the regulatory process there want to advise us about what works and what doesn't? Even what design is best, the pluses and minuses of various designs and setups?


This is the text from a UK page. Note how the boxes are all monitored by conservationists? And they have a picture of the design, from above. I am a big fan of the design w/ the separate entrance that protects the owls from direct wind and weather - with the hallway they have to go through to get to the entrance. It solves a myriad of problems. This design, however, needs work. It needs an 8 or 10 inch drop from the doorway into the box itself so the babies won't easily fall out, and won't be able to get to the door until they are at least strong enough and coordinated enough to climb up to it. It also has a perch just 6 or so inches outside the door, which is a place to start and hold on, while contemplating other branches to hop to. It's a start.

We ought to be looking at other box designs and coming up with what we think is idea. There's no need to rush to judgement on this. I think a circumspect, careful survey of what's out there and what works is needed before we make recommendations for a regulation box in the US. But this is a place to start, anyway.

I don't think I can load the picture, which is worth a thousand words, so here is the link that shows the interior design of the box, with 2 owlets posing in there for good measure, although since the top is off the box I imagine these are rehabbing birds...

To see the picture, go to:
http://www.hawkandowl.org/About_us/SupportUs/AdoptABox/AdoptABox


This is a U.K. Program;
Adopt a Box
Adopt a Box: wild birds of prey need places to nest
Adopt a Box with the Hawk and Owl Trust
Adopting a nestbox through the Hawk and Owl Trust is fun.You'll be kept up to date with what's going on in your adopted box.You can also learn more about barn owls and the other birds that use the special nestboxes put up and monitored.
Shortage of homes
Loss of old hollow trees and conversion of barns for housing has dramatically reduced the supply of traditional nesting sites for species such as owls. It is estimated that four in every five barn owls now use nestboxes, demonstrating how important boxes are for this species.
Tawny owls, little owls and kestrels are also benefiting from nestboxes, which are put up in carefully selected areas with suitable feeding habitat.
How you can help
Adopt a Box yourself or as a present for a friend - it is a worthwhile way to help owls and other birds of prey. There are nestboxes in many parts of the country and you can Adopt a Box in one of seven regions.

During the breeding season specially trained and licensed conservationists monitor the boxes. Each year you will receive news of the birds that may have used the box allocated to you.You might be lucky enough to hear that eggs were laid and young reared. Most of the boxes are designed for barn owls but other species which might use them are tawny or little owls, kestrel or jackdaw.

Protecting the breeding birds
In the interest of conservation we cannot tell you exactly where your box is. The nests of all birds of prey are protected and barn owls have additional legal protection. It is vital that the birds are not disturbed while rearing their young. Furthermore other adopters may share your box.

-Stacey