Project Partner: St. Francis-Xavier University
Project Description:
OPDF is a research site for a study into the breeding and migration of the Boreal Owl and Northern Saw-whet Owl. On November 21st, 2016 Dan Hutt helped St. Francis-Xavier University researcher Dr. Randy Lauff, and his assistant Chad Brazier install eight owl nesting boxes at Otter Ponds in the hopes that some of them will be homes to owl families in the spring. "The owls are probably there, already", said Dr. Lauff, "but the nesting boxes make it much easier for me to follow their progress". Much of the day was spent looking for just the right location: lots of canopy cover, but fairly open below so the owls can fly around easily and can see their prey of mice, voles and shrews. They prefer quiet areas away from no noisy burbling brooks which mask the sounds of prey. Dr. Lauff and/or OPDF volunteers check the boxes annually for nests.
After 5 years of observation, a Saw-whet owl and her nest were found! On June 10th, 2021 Dr. Lauff along with student helper Emily and Otter Ponds board member Jacob Prest set out in the early morning to check the 8 boxes. At the third box, they spotted a small saw-whet owl poking out and were able to catch it with a butterfly net in order to weigh, measure and band her, and to collect feather samples. Upon inspecting the nest, they discovered she was sitting on four eggs. Judging by the weight of the owl, Dr. Lauff suspected that she might have another egg to lay. The nest will be re-inspecting in a week and a half, and again once the chicks hatch to band them before they leave the nest.
For instructions on how to build your own box, click here!
Project Description:
OPDF is a research site for a study into the breeding and migration of the Boreal Owl and Northern Saw-whet Owl. On November 21st, 2016 Dan Hutt helped St. Francis-Xavier University researcher Dr. Randy Lauff, and his assistant Chad Brazier install eight owl nesting boxes at Otter Ponds in the hopes that some of them will be homes to owl families in the spring. "The owls are probably there, already", said Dr. Lauff, "but the nesting boxes make it much easier for me to follow their progress". Much of the day was spent looking for just the right location: lots of canopy cover, but fairly open below so the owls can fly around easily and can see their prey of mice, voles and shrews. They prefer quiet areas away from no noisy burbling brooks which mask the sounds of prey. Dr. Lauff and/or OPDF volunteers check the boxes annually for nests.
After 5 years of observation, a Saw-whet owl and her nest were found! On June 10th, 2021 Dr. Lauff along with student helper Emily and Otter Ponds board member Jacob Prest set out in the early morning to check the 8 boxes. At the third box, they spotted a small saw-whet owl poking out and were able to catch it with a butterfly net in order to weigh, measure and band her, and to collect feather samples. Upon inspecting the nest, they discovered she was sitting on four eggs. Judging by the weight of the owl, Dr. Lauff suspected that she might have another egg to lay. The nest will be re-inspecting in a week and a half, and again once the chicks hatch to band them before they leave the nest.
For instructions on how to build your own box, click here!
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Photo credits: Dan Hutt and Jacob Prest