The
two owl boxes are only 35-45 feet distance from each other
in the attic of the building and interactions and competition
between the owls was suspected but never confirmed. Both
owl pairs left after their broods died. Department staff
cleaned up the owl boxes and a pair of barn owls returned
to original owl box and starting laying eggs. We apologize
for the delay in getting the cam on-line but equipment
shortages and sometime to observe our owl pair was necessary
and now here once more are 5 (count them) half grown barn
owlets. Enjoy the viewing and remember how important your
observations can be since you may witness some events
that help provide more information about the secret lives
of barn owls.
When
we set up cameras to capture actual real-time images,
we get whatever it is that nature hands out. It is a risk
we take. Many times, it is a positive experience for everyone,
as we watch young animals grow and mature. At other times,
it is not so pleasant. But if we want to show our majestic
wildlife to the world, it is important that we understand
they also face risks from many directions.
When
we established the WildWatchCam program, we anticipated
that at some time the view might be unpleasant for some.
We consulted with many biologists, and their advice was
“once the birds start nesting, the risks to the
chicks are far greater if a human intervenes than if we
don’t.” So that is our operating philosophy.
Once the birds begin the nesting process, we are done
until all young have fledged and the adults move on. We
don’t adjust cameras that get knocked out of alignment;
we don’t clean cameras that get splattered by rain
or feces; and we don’t interfere with what nature
dishes out. But we do get to learn about the life and
death struggles that occur out of our windows.
We
invite you to enjoy our other WildWatchCam scenes. Or,
grab your binoculars and step out into our great outdoors
and see what discoveries await you.
The
Barn OwlCam came into existence when the WildWatch staff
received a request from a WDFW habitat biologist and hatchery
manager to conduct a site and feasibility inspection for
a barn owlcam. WDFW staff had recently completed construction
of a barn owl nest box with modifications to an attic
vent for a small entry area into the nest box. Recent
demolition of a nearby barn that had long-standing documented
use of barn owls, led the biologist to pursue getting
some nest boxes constucted in an attempt to attract nesting
owls. Within a few months, one of the nest boxes was occupied
by a pair of barn owls.
This
season the Barn Owl cam features three active cams and
views.
No cams currently available.
