LOUTH BARN OWLS

County Louth Barn Owl Project

Our aim is to work alongside landowners to provide and manage secure and suitable locations in County Louth Ireland, where Barn Owls can live, hunt and raise their young safely. Our small team works tirelessly each day to contribute their part in raising awareness of these beautiful birds.

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WHO WE ARE

In association with The Barn Owl Project Ireland and initiated by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, we hope to find and record existing nesting and roosting sites as well as the hunting grounds used by Barn Owls in our wee county.
We also would like to identify sites that nest boxes could be hung to help the Barn Owl increase their range here. Nest boxes will only be hung at sites that are deemed suitable, i.e. at least 1-2km away from the motorway, adjacent to rough grassland, no rodenticide used in the area, etc.
We ask the public to kindly report any known roosting/nesting sites, any sightings of Barn Owls within Louth, and any injured or dead birds they may encounter.
Any local businesses or groups that would like to sponsor the materials and building cost of a nest box or two we would love to hear from you. If you are part of a group or even a handy individual that could assist us with making some boxes, your help would also be very much appreciated.
We would also like to ask for your help by spreading the word of this project. Anyone who could perhaps assist with the cost of printing, distribution and displaying of flyers, your support would be gratefully received.
Please bear in mind, we are volunteers, but we will endeavor to reply to you asap.

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BARN OWL NEST BOX LOCATION NOTES

What kind of locations are we looking for to put up nest boxes?

Suitable locations to erect nest boxes have to be at least 4 meters (13ft) high as the opening on the nest box needs to be at least 3 meters (10ft) above ground level.
Must overlook open countryside or within 1km of open grassland for hunting grounds.
Indoor and outdoor boxes are different and an indoor nest box is not suitable for outdoor use.
Inside or outside it is good to have some additional shelter for the bird or owlets when they are out of the nest box.
Inside locations must have the nest box opening facing the most likely entrance point of the building.
An outdoor nest box is much better placed in a tree than on the side of a building because trees afford more shelter.
Avoid any location near a road, urban or suburban areas, dense forest and high mountain areas.

If you think you have a suitable location, please email us at louthbarnowls@gmail.com and we can arrange a site visit.