(I tried to post this note this morning but apparently something went
wrong. Since writing this, I have seen Peter Woodall's note - very
interesing indeed and I would not have thought Boobooks would nest in
such a manner.)
Hello Ros,
Sorry for this late reply - have been away for a few days. I would
doubt that the Southern Boobook would make use of artificial nest
boxes. I would be inclined to agree with Mascha that they would only
use natural hollows (hollow logs). However, I would certainly try
natural hollows in suburban Brisbane, if you have Boobooks in the area
and if you can put the hollows up in a tree somewhere, although
Brushtail Possums may take them over.
Barn Owls would probably adapt more easily to artificial nest boxes
though I think many of the hollows erected in the cane fields were
natural logs/hollows (I should have been clearer on this point in my
original message). Habitat preference and diet of each species differ.
In the sugar-cane areas of N Qld, the three Tyto owls hunt out over the
open fields whereas the Southern Boobook is more of a forest bird. There
are a number of good short articles on owls/rodents/ rodenticides/ cane
fields and so on including one by David James on Klerat the main culprit
in the demise of owls in this area, in 'Boobook' Volume 18, part 1
(journal of the Australasian Raptor Association - Birds Australia). If
you want a contact and address of a fellow in N Qld who is currently
experimenting with owl boxes/hollows, let me know. He can probably help
you more than I can. Could also be worth talking to the guys at DEH
(now Environmental Protection Agency ?) in Ingham (N Qld).
Best wishes,
Lloyd Nielsen
Mt Molloy,
Nth Qld
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