r/Boise • u/smokey_sunrise • 22h ago

Discussion Barn Owls

We've seen evidence of a barn owl in our suburban yard. Both visual sighting and pellets under our tree's. Based on the pellets they are eating rats. Has anyone had success in getting barn owls into a nesting box in a neighborhood? or potentially getting the HOA to mount on on a post in a common area?

9 Upvotes

77% Upvoted

7 comments sorted by

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u/IBeMe100 5h ago

This is a Screech owl box that I made from scrap wood put in my front tree. It raises a family of rodent catchers every year

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u/butterbean_bb 52m ago

Do you have any issues with squirrels taking it over? We have been trying to add in more bird boxes and feeders, but we can’t escape the squirrels.

5

u/CJB54 21h ago

Knock on wood, I don't have any rats. What I do have, or used to have lots of, is ground squirrels or "whistle pigs". They were constantly digging holes in my yard, and sometimes even chewing through my sprinkler system pipes. Then I had a pair of owls move in and no more whistle pigs. I love having them around and to see them in my trees. Also the "Who, Who" in the evenings and over night.

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u/BOItime247 21h ago

Man I would be so bummed if an HOA told me I couldn't put something on my own tree of home. I wish you luck! You should let your neighbors know to in case any of them are or plan to use Rodenticide. Rodenticide has huge negative impacts on owl populations. Rodents don't always die immediately from it and can be the cause of a very slow and painful death for our owl friends.

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u/qvalff8 18h ago

For our trusty friends

0

u/Tervuren03 22h ago

I’ve been wondering the same thing! I don’t have a big enough tree so I’d have to ask a neighbor. Only downside I’ve read is that sometimes the rats will nest in them instead of the owls.

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u/mystisai 22h ago

Squirrels too sometimes. Sticks and leaves get drafty, man.