Owl Dig

ODLT needs 6 or more people to dig holes of artificial burrows for burrowing owls Wednesday, Oct. 2 from 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM at our Brothers-Shaw property.  

Burrowing owls are considered birds of conservation concern both federally and in Oregon. For nesting, they depend heavily upon burrows created by other species, especially badgers, and prefer sites with a lot of bare ground. Both preferences would be met at this project site and assist with their return. 

We will create artificial burrows (based on these models) that have proven successful for promoting burrowing owl activity in other areas. A wildlife camera will also be installed to monitor an increase in owl activity (view videos of badgers and other animals on the property). 

An initial cavity for a large bucketed nesting space will need to be 3-ft wide by 3-ft deep with a channel for passage that will be dug 1-2 ft wide x 7-8 ft long x 3-ft deep. Additional digs will be for 1-3 more housing units (see image for model). 

Tools needed/most helpful: Work gloves, shovels, rake, post hole digger, 5-gallon bucket or storage bin for moving soil.

There are no facilities on the property and we will provide snacks, but please bring your preferred food, water, and appropriate clothing for the weather and terrain. We will meet beforehand at a rest area.

WHEN:
Wed, Oct 2  10:30 AM-3:00 PM  (Weather dependent) 

WHERE:
ODLT Brothers-Shaw property (about 50 min east of Bend, just to the north of Brothers)

Meet coordinators at the Brother’s Oasis Rest Area and then travel 5 min to this location. We’ll park on the east side of Coffey Rd and walk about a quarter mile over sagebrush terrain with sand and bowling-ball sized rocks. We’ll also climb over/through a barbed-wire fence.