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About HOP |
Our mission is to reduce the need for harmful pesticides & rodenticides by encouraging natural predators, through conservation of habitat, erecting nest boxes when appropriate, through research & education, and by providing a resource of help and information on alternative methods of sustainable pest management. Started in 2001, The Hungry Owl Project (HOP) is a program of WildCare, a non-profit education and wildlife rehabilitation center in Marin County, CA. HOP promotes the use of Barn Owls and other beneficial predators for natural pest control, eliminating the need for dangerous poisons and pesticides. The use of beneficial predators, through the use of nesting boxes and raptor perches, is but one aspect of a complete Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM). IPM utilizes non-toxic methods to control and eliminate insects and rodents. Our interest in Barn Owls grew with the realization of their major decline, especially in the Midwest. The replacement of family farms by industrialized, intensive farming has eliminated nesting sites (old barns, silos and cavities in trees). The massive use of pesticides contributes to their decline. In California, they continue to thrive in relatively high numbers, but their survival depends on two important factors: preservation of their nest sites and habitat, and safe methods of pest control. Billions of tons of chemicals are dumped each year on our lands. Our concern is the impact of these chemicals on human health and to wildlife. A number of human diseases have been linked with widespread pesticide use. Due to indiscriminate use of chemicals, both the pest and the natural predator are killed. Rat poisons (rodenticides) also kill household pets if a poisoned rodent is consumed (secondary poisoning). Rodenticides accumlate in the tissues, so if a coyote eats a poisoned rodent and a mountain lion eats the coyote, for example, the mountain lion will have the chemical in its tissues. Deceased pumas have been found as victims of tertiary rodenticide poisoning.. Many pest control companies do not inform consumers of the dangers of the chemicals being placed in and around their home, and some knowingly mislead customers by telling them the poison they are using will not harm birds, this is simply not true.. It is important for consumers to know and research the ingredients in any poisons used to control pests before using them. We believe there are NO safe rodenticides. See: Raptors & Rodenticides—A deadly combination.
We install boxes in residential areas, parks, open space, ranches, golf courses, and farms - anywhere gophers and other rodents are a problem. Before a box is erected it is important that rodenticides (marketed as d-Con, Talon and other names) and pesticides are no longer used, otherwise the beneficial predators will be attracted to a nest site that is inherently unsafe. One poisoned rodent, fed to a nest of Barn Owl chicks, can wipe out the entire nest. Our goal is to educate and provide alternative methods when possible and help create a "win, win" situation for all. Many interesting and valuable studies are possible. A few years ago we began installing video cameras in active nest boxes. We have documented the entire mating, egg incubation and chick rearing process. We created a short documentary that will aid biologists, wildlife centers and schools in learning more about these mysterious birds.
The Hungry Owl Project works with the public to find solutions in situations where owls may nest in inappropriate places. In 2002 a pair of barn owls was discovered raising a family inside the tower of the Marin Civic Center during a construction and restoration project. By working with the Civic Center management and the construction company, the owls were able to raise their family and five owls safely fledged from the tower. We will continue to learn more about these silent hunters of the night, in order create a rich and safe habitat for both the owl and humans alike. For information about alternative methods of pest control please visit our Rodenticides page.
For information about The Hungry Owl Project please contact: Acknowledgements HOP is a small group of dedicated volunteers, supplemented & sustained by members of the community who support us, build boxes for us, and help us in many ways. Alex Godbe, Director Special thanks to the following groups and individuals for their invaluable help & support of our project: Jim Cairnes, Small
World Tree Service To make a donation to the Hungry Owl Project please send a check payable to WildCare/HOP to: HOP, 179 The Alameda, San Anselmo, CA 94960
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With these issues in mind, we began the Hungry Owl Project to manufacture and erect owl boxes. Vineyards are a good place to start—by encouraging owls, vineyard owners can enjoy these beautiful birds, and also appreciate their hunting abilities. Owls can consume a third of their body weight per night, and a family of five can consume 3000 rodents in a breeding season.
Additionally, wine growing is a monoculture type of intensive farming, so providing safe nesting sites, in the form of owl boxes, can somewhat mitigate the loss of habitat. Many vineyards are now growing organically and nest boxes are an important element of their pest control.
We include school children in ongoing projects by making presentations, engaging them in owl pellet dissection, and soliciting their help in building owl boxes. Students at the Hall Middle School in Larkspur recently constructed 20 Screech owl boxes for us. An Eagle Scout troop in Mill Valley built 30 barn owl boxes for our project. So far over 500 boxes have been installed at ranches, farms, vineyard, and private homes.