Study

A study of the long-eared owl Asio otus using wicker nesting baskets

  • Published source details Garner D.J. & Milne B.S. (1998) A study of the long-eared owl Asio otus using wicker nesting baskets. Bird Study, 45, 62-67.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Provide artificial nesting sites for owls

Action Link
Bird Conservation
  1. Provide artificial nesting sites for owls

    A replicated study in 1981-96 in a reed-dominated wetland site in Cambridgeshire, England (Garner & Milne 1998), found that long-eared owls Asio otus readily used two designs of wicker baskets, with 77 nesting attempts over the study period. Of the 71 nest monitored, 42 (59%) hatched eggs and 36 (51%) fledged at least one chick. Between one and nine baskets were used each year, with three to 23 baskets available. It was not possible to confirm whether the apparent population increase was genuine or caused by owls switching from natural nest sites. Baskets were either local ‘fruit-picker’ baskets or dog baskets (30 cm diameter and 15 cm deep) and replaced every 4-5 years. Baskets were placed in trees, mostly hawthorn, 3.5-5.0 m above the ground.

     

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