The Rural Voice, 2001-07, Page 27taken several years or more to finally
attract the elusive barn owl to take up
residence. The project in Ontario has
Barns owls
are
considered
agriculturally
valuable
predator.
begun with about 350 nest boxes
hung on barns in Haldimand-
Norfolk. The aim is to expand thea
A Barn Owl Who's Who
By Larry Drew
The barn owl, Tyto alba, is
renowned as a great "mouser",
improving the natural control of
rats and mice in farmyards and
fields. Reports of Barn Owls in
Ontario date back to the 1800s, but
today they are one of Ontario's
most threatened species and
believed to be very close to
extirpation.
A barn owl can be recognized
by its distinctive white heart -
shaped face, a white underside and
a golden buff colour back. This
crow -sized bird has a long curved
bill, small dark eyes, long sparsely
feathered legs and grey toes. It has
no ear tufts.
The nesting season extends from
late April to mid-July, but nesting
is possible any month of the year.
Couples do not build their own
nest; instead they occupy spaces in
cavity trees, barns, silos or
abandoned buildings. Nesting
pairs have been known to use the
nest box for decades, giving rise to
3-8 young each year. These owlets
take to hunting for themselves atter
about 60 days.
While a severe winter or
extended periods of deep snow can
affect prey availability, other
factors limiting barn owl
populations include the loss or a
lack of suitable hunting and nesting
habitats, disturbance or interference
at nest sites, and secondary
exposure to rodenticide used
around orchards, barns and silos.°
CROP/QUEST
Nutrient Management Planning
Jasr Andy de Vries C.C.:k.
iay 519-229-6559
CERTIFIED
CROP ADVISOR
Ron Pennings
519-345-2702
Fax: 519-229-8029
t: -Mail: cropqui•.t quadro.nrt
`FIELD OF DREAMS"
at the
Listowel
Fair
this Summer
July 19" • 22nd, 2001
"Lots of fun for everyone"
* livestock show s * mid a\
* tractor pull * horse pull
* ambassador competition
* kids' day * demo derby
* antique tractor show
& flea market
* Galaxy of Stars - youth talent
award show
* and much more
SPECIAL ENTERTAINMENT
' Beverley Elliott &
Gregg Dechert
' Sunrise ' Eric Taplin
' Senior Serenaders
. Galaxy of Stars
Call 519-291-2776 for
your `free' fair schedule
JULY 2001 23