Purpose: The Barn Owl, also known as the "ghost
owl", is the most dependent owl on man-made structures. During settlement, farmers welcomed barn owls as a method of rodent
control. Research has shown that a pair of barn owls with 6 young will eat approximately 1,000 small mammals, mostly
rodents, during the breeding season. Unfortunately, here in the heartland where thousands of farms are found, the barn owl
is declining. One reason could be the demolition of abandoned barns and silos and the replacement of the older barns with
metal barns.
Description: Described as a "miniature house on poles",
this barn owl house was designed by Owasso high school science teacher, Paul Wilson, and has proven to be accepted by barn
owls. This 4' x 4' roofed house is attached to the top of 4 telephone poles about 10' above the ground. The house is protected
from predators by the use of metal flashing on each pole. The inside of the house has a layer of wood shavings that will cradle
the eggs. The house will need to be erected on the north side of the wetland in the wooded area.
Cost: ~$500 (with poles donated by the local electric
co-op)
