Our Volunteers are OWLSOME!

We’ve now completed our Western Screech Owl (WESO) nest box cleaning season. A big thank you to all the volunteers who helped with this! A total of 9 volunteers visited 4 different properties, cleaning out a total of 37 nest boxes. Volunteers climbed high on ladders in variable weather conditions - enduring the elements to help these little owls. It’s always interesting to see what the boxes have been filled with from various critters. There were lots of laughs were shared!

These nest boxes are designed to address two major impacts to WESO populations: first, loss of suitable nesting cavities where suburban areas have replaced mature forests. And second, protection against attacks by larger Barred Owls. In order to prevent predation, the boxes must be the right dimensions, so the little owls can fit comfortably but predators cannot. Grey squirrels often fill the boxes with material, making the box useless for the owls, so the boxes must be cleaned every few years.

We here at HAT would like to take this time to thank ALL of our owl volunteers from all of the years and all of the facets of this program. Without you all we would not be able to keep programs like this going! If you would like to get involved in our owl program, please send an email to volunteers@hat.bc.ca.