Owls in Suburbia
Owls are both fascinating and beautiful animals. Their presence in your garden offers hours of intriguing viewing. Furthermore they provide an efficient means for pest control. The two most common species in Gauteng are the Barn Owl and the Spotted-eagle Owl. Whilst these owls are strikingly different in appearance, both species exhibit many similar adaptations. It is these adaptations that have enabled owls to survive thus far.  These adaptations range from their specially designed wings, which allow them to listen for prey whilst on the wing, to light sensitive eyes enabling them to detect prey in low light conditions. This complexity of design is the basis for the success of the owl as a species, however this specialisation means that owls are relatively susceptible to environmental change. This is where the project comes in. Whilst there is no doubt that there is an Owl population within Gauteng it remains unclear as to how long this will be the case. The key to extracting maximum enjoyment from your owl box is simply INTEREST.  Be interested and observant, otherwise those golden moments and unforgettable interactions will be missed. The first flights from the box, the youngsters catching insects on the lawn. These moments occur all the time…

Breeding
Owls breed from late autumn through summer, however breeding habits are very variable, relying primarily on prey availability and suitable breeding sites. Likewise the number of eggs produce varies dramatically. Barn owls are able to alter their breeding habits in response to prey numbers.  The greater the abundance of prey the greater the number of chicks produced, allowing owls to better combat prey population sizes. This is exceedingly useful in controlling populations prone to growth explosions i.e., rodent and insect species. During the period in which the owls breed activity is centred around the box. Food exchanges and vocalisation is common and is a key indication to breeding activity. This is the most exciting period, the owlets leave the box approximately 4-5 weeks after hatching. The youngsters however are poor fliers and very curious which enables one to observe them closely. Youngsters are inclined to perch close to the ground and exhibit all the playfulness of young kittens. Watching the owlets play on the lawn is a truly unforgettable experience. During the remainder of the year the box will see less activity, although once owls have bred in the box the will continue to utilize it year after year. The owls will remain in the vicinity in order to protect their territory of which the box is an important component