WVDNR Seeks Information on Barn Owls

Posted by: Holly Canfield on Wed, 23 July 2003 01:45:02 (1373 Reads)

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is interested in determining the status of barn owls in the state, according to Kieran O’Malley, wildlife biologist with DNR’s Wildlife Resources Section. Although barn owls are declining in the eastern United States, WVDNR biologists located six new breeding sites in the eastern panhandle during 2001-2002. “These new nesting sites have been very productive and we are interested in determining where all the young owls are going,” said O’Malley.

Barn owl nesting records in West Virginia and surrounding states suggest that the large open agricultural areas such as those found in the eastern panhandle, Teays and Ohio River valleys and the southeast counties represent excellent habitat. “These owls are very beneficial to have around open fields and barnyards because they eat a lot of mice and rats,” O’Malley said. “We need help locating owls because their habitat exists mostly on farms and other private land.”

Barn owls commonly nest and roost in barns, silos, and abandoned buildings. “Two to three inch long pellets or large white/light brown feathers on the floor of a building indicate you may have barn owls living there,” said O’Malley. “Many farmers discover they have owls on their property in late summer when they are preparing their barns and silos for filling. If an owl nest conflicts with a landowner’s activities, we would definitely encourage you to contact us so we can help protect the owls without impeding your business.”

Barn owls are medium sized owls with a pale heart-shaped face and dark eyes. Their undersides are creamy white with light brown spots. Their back and wings are light brown. Barn owls may be confused with snowy owls; however, snowy owls are pure white with black bars. Snowy owls occur infrequently in West Virginia and only during the winter.

Please report barn owl sightings to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources in Romney at (304) 822-3551 or in Elkins at (304) 637-0245.


**DNR**

Hoy Murphy, Public Information Officer (304) 558-3380 hmurphy@dnr.state.wv.us

Contact: Kieran O’Malley, Parks Wildlife Resources Section (304) 637-0245 wildlife@dnr.state.wv.us