Useful things for owl people
A short, sensible list. The most useful thing for owls is free: let some grass grow long.
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Avoid “preventative” and permanent baiting, which the Barn Owl Trust calls a major cause of secondary poisoning. source Safer rat control, in order: remove food, remove shelter (harbourage), encourage natural predators, and use traps. Poison is a last resort. source
Pellets
- Owl pellet dissection kitsLook for kits with a bone identification chart, tweezers and a probe. Wild pellets from the Barn Owl Trust are for schools and groups only.
- A lighted magnifierFor telling vole molars from mouse molars.
- Fine tweezersFor teasing out tiny bones intact.
Nest boxes
- Barn owl nest boxesOnly worth it in the right spot: rural, near rough grassland, well away from major roads. Read our nest box page first.
- Tawny owl nest boxesMature trees, at least 3 m up, entrance away from the prevailing wind.
Watching & listening
- 8×42 binocularsA good all-round size for dusk.
- Trail camerasSee who uses your box or post without disturbing anyone. Nesting barn owls must not be disturbed.
- Red-light torchesGentler on your night vision.
Books
- Owl books for Britain and EuropeFor the full natural history.
- Barn owl booksFor one species in depth.
- Collins Bird GuideThe standard field guide.
Rat control without poison
- Rat trapsRemove food and shelter first; traps before poison, always.
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Looking for something owl-shaped for yourself? Visit the ReallyByte shop on Etsy.
Pellet-ID sheets, a UK owl spotter card and colouring pages are on the way. Nothing to buy yet.