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A wildlife CCTV specialist takes a fresh look at owl nestboxes . . .
Owl-friendly designs from Devon-based Spring Into Action | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The nestbox testing area | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Naturally I was delighted when some time last year Michael Babb, who makes and sells camera-equipped bird boxes, got in touch about the possibility of making Tawny Owl nest boxes based on the Dutch (or American) letterbox design advocated elsewhere in this section. He agreed with the disadvantages of the tube-type boxes and wanted to make, in a phrase that has me chuckling, "bigger bedrooms for owls". In fact of course more space will also mean a better view of what the owls are up to from the CCTV cameras as the plan is to mount them on the side of the box. Anyway, some months later (March 2008) Mike had the first prototypes run up. There are two versions, one for tawnies and the other for Barn Owls. It's a joy to see someone at last selling boxes for tawnies that make a complete break with the "tube" designs, and I can only wish Michael the best of fortune in his new venture. As these boxes are hand-crafted and quite complicated it's inevitable that they're not cheap at around £100 (including p&p) for the basic Tawny box and £120.00 for the Barn Owl version. The camera-equipped versions will hopefully be on the market winter 2008-09. They're made from 15 mm tongue-and groove timber and the exterior is lightly stained with a UV-stabilised animal friendly preservative. Mike recommends giving them a coat of good-quality yacht varnish before erection and to recoat them every year if possible. Rust-proof screws and nails are used for assembly. The boxes have that absolutely essential ledge, and there's a sliding door at the side for routine cleaning and, if you're qualified to do it, fishing out the chicks for ringing. The roof is screwed down but could be removed for major maintenance tasks. So, to some extent this is a box for enthusiasts. Having made similar boxes myself I can assure you they're excellent value! Properly maintained they'll give great pleasure and will last for years. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Front, side and rear views of the Tawny Owl box. Tree attachment method has still to be decided. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Left and middle: The sliding side hatch gives access to the inside. The narrow strip at the top gives added protection from rain. Right: Interior of the box. The floor has drainage, not shown here. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Construction details for Tawny Owl box Overall external dimensions: 24" (height at back) x 14.5" wide x 14" deep Internal floor area: 12 3/4" x 13 1/4" (giving diagonal of over 18") Ledge: 7 3/4" X 14 1/2" Owl entrance door: 6 1/4" x 5", with a lip extending 3" Drop from door to floor: 8 1/2" (this is quite safe for the owlets!) Inspection hatch opening: 8" x 5"
Roof is screwed down with brass screws for easy removal if required. Construction is from 15mm (0.6in) thick tongue-and-groove timber; assembled with galvanised screws and nails. Exterior wood is treated with a UV-stabilised animal friendly preservative. Interior wood is untreated. Weight: 11.5 kg
Contact details Spring Into Action, Wildlife CCTV Specialists, Sunnydale, Bolham Water, Clayhidon, Devon EX15 3QB
Telephone: 01823 680691 Website: www.wildlifecctv.co.uk Email: mail@wildlifecctv.co.uk
The Spring Into Action Tawny Owl and Barn Owl nestboxes are specialised items and made to order. Please allow 21 days for delivery. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
powered by owls | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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