From Raven Ridge Wildlife Center

We have admitted four Barn owl nestlings. Collaborating closely with our Game Commission Biologist is essential for gathering information and tracking nesting habitats, as these owls are being monitored attentively due to their biggest threat-habitat loss.

Barn owls play a crucial role in our ecosystem and are considered a farmer’s best friend. One barn owl can consume approximately 1,000 mice in a single season, and a family of six can eat over 6,000 mice in that same timeframe. These owls prefer hunting in open, flat land, which makes barns ideal habitats for them.

When nests are destroyed or when the owls find themselves in precarious situations with little chance of survival, we can place the nestlings with other barn owls of similar size and age. The parents will continue to care for their young and can also adopt one or two additional owl nestlings into their brood.

Recently, during the Kauffman barn owl banding event with the Game Commission, one of our owls was introduced to a new family at the farm. All the owls are banded, in good health, placed in other active nests and will be ready to fledge within a few weeks.

As a wildlife center, our primary goal is to act in the best interest of the animals and ensure their survival. Having a foster parent, whether it be a surrogate or placement with wild parents, is more effective than rehabilitation alone, as it guarantees that the owlets receive the necessary survival skills.