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| Nest Boxes |
Nest Platforms | Join Operation Burrowing Owl |
In addition to protecting natural habitat and the raptors that feed and
nest within it, there are opportunities for those who are interested in
becoming more actively involved in helping to conserve these birds.
Cavity-nesting raptors use nest holes that occur naturally or were excavated
by other species, and they will also use nest boxes. Nest boxes are inexpensive,
and are easy to build and to maintain.
The size of the nest box and the diameter of the entrance hole determine
which species will be attracted to it. A Saw-whet Owl needs a relatively
small nest box with a small opening, for example, while an American Kestrel
uses a medium-sized nest box, and a Barred Owl a large one. (Nest box
and entrance-hole sizes are indicated in the chart.)
- The territorial requirements of raptors must be taken into consideration
when placing nest boxes. Nest boxes for small raptors such as kestrels,
for example, should be 1 km (0.6 mi.) apart.
- Attach nest boxes for Saw-Whet and Boreal Owls to trees in densely
wooded areas.
- Place American Kestrel nest boxes in lone trees, in small stands of
trees near open fields, or on fences or old buildings.
- Barred Owls prefer boxes located in bushy areas, on farm woodlots
and in forests.
Nest Box Tips
- Get permission from the landowner before placing a nest box on private
property.
- Use strong, weatherproof materials, such as plywood or cedar, to build
nest boxes. Provide drainage and ventilation by drilling a few small
holes just below the roof overhang and in the floor of the box near
the walls.
- Place nest boxes so they face south or east for warmth, and away from
the usual direction of wind and rain. If possible, locate them near
high perches. Fasten them securely to trees, fences or buildings, or
on specially constructed poles. Do not place them on or near utility
poles.
- Most birds prefer a clean and empty nest box that they can line themselves.
If your nest box is for owls, you may put a layer of wood chips or shavings
(not sawdust) on the floor, about 2.5 cm (1 inch) deep.
- You can use wood stain or lead-free paint on the outside to increase
durability and waterproof the roof, but do not paint the entrance or
the inside of the box.
- Build the box to allow for annual cleaning. Thoroughly clean the nest
box and discard used nesting material after the birds have left the
box in the autumn. This will help eliminate parasites. Parasites may
also be controlled by sprinkling diatomaceous earth in the nest boxes.
This substance is non-toxic but scratches the outer covering of many
parasites, causing them to die of dehydration.
- Birds do not require perches at the entrance to their nest boxes.
Perches are more useful to predators than they are to birds.
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Raptors such as the Ferruginous Hawk, Swainson's Hawk, and Osprey usually
build their own nests, but their decline in some areas has been due primarily
to nest-site loss; they will use and benefit from nest boxes or platforms.
Nest Platform Tips
- Nest platforms for hawks should be about 120 cm x 60 cm x 20 cm
- (50 x 25 x 8 inches) large enough for three or four nestlings.
- Place platforms away from human disturbance. Platforms for all hawks
except the Ferruginous Hawk should be located in areas protected from
wind, such as in coulees or on the east sides of shelterbelts.
- Because the Ferruginous Hawk nests in lone or peripheral trees, this
bird's platform should be placed away from trees especially from any
tree taller than the platform itself. If you locate the nesting platform
in an area where the Ferruginous Hawk already resides, and where ground
squirrels exist, the chances of the hawks using the platform will be
greater. You may need to be patient, however, because the Ferruginous
Hawk usually takes several years to accept a new platform.
- The Osprey eats fish, and therefore usually builds its nest near water.
Ospreys readily accept nest platforms, especially when they are located
near natural nest sites that have recently been destroyed. The simple
nest platform preferred by the Osprey should be about 0.5 to 1 metre
(1 1/2 to 3 feet) square. Locate it on a pole, near water or about 3.5
to 5 metres (10 to 15 feet) above water.
- The Great Horned Owl and Turkey Vulture will also use nest platforms,
especially those placed in wooded areas.
You may wish to keep records of arrival, nesting and departure dates
of the raptors occupying your nest boxes and nesting platforms. In addition
to being of interest to you, this information may be useful to your local
wildlife agency. Local offices are listed in Appendix
2.
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Landowners can assist with a special project based in Alberta that is
intended to help conserve Burrowing Owls. Member landowners agree to keep
the nesting and feeding pasture in natural condition for five years, and
report the number of nests each year. With the nesting habitat protected,
along with other projects that protect food supplies and winter habitats
in the southern United States and Mexico, the Burrowing Owl may survive
on the prairies.
If Burrowing Owls nest on your land and you would like to become a member
of Operation Burrowing Owl, you may call or write to register.
In Manitoba, contact:
Ken De Smet
Manitoba Conservation, Wildlife Branch
Box 24, 200 Saulteaux Crescent
Winnipeg, MB
R3J 3W3
Phone: (204) 945-5439
email: kdesmet@gov.mb.ca
In Saskatchewan, contact:
Nature Saskatchewan
Box 4348
Regina, SK S4P 3W6
Phone: 1-800-667-HOOT (4668)
In Alberta, contact:
Kerry Grisley
Operation Grassland Community
Alberta Fish and Game Association
6924-104th St.
Edmonton, AB T6H 2L7
Phone: (780) 437-2342.
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