Boobooks are nocturnal and retreat to the canopy of large mature trees for the day. They perch high in the tree tops and silently rest in the dappled shade. A resting owl will attract the attention of local birds and are often harassed by will wagtails and honeyeaters.
Keep and maintain mature trees in your garden as they provide habitat and shelter for local birds of prey. Alternatively, you can plant a large habitat tree for future generations.
Novel Shelter
Below is a template and important considerations regarding nest boxes for owls.
Install the box on a tall tree close to the main trunk or a thick horizontal limb five meters or higher.
Position nest boxes away from direct afternoon sun.
Nest boxes are a long-term commitment and need maintenance and repair over time.
Never use metal wire inside a box. A wooden ladder or notches in the timber is much more suitable and won’t damage claws or talons.
Chipboard boxes degrade quickly and require replacement after a year of use.
Hardier untreated timber (Jarrah) is less prone to attack by fungi, bacteria, and microorganisms.
Do not use treated timber as this can emit fumes toxic to wildlife and their young.
Maintenance is critical to ensure any resident wildlife and their offspring remain safe.
Habitat Guide - Food and Water
Providing natural sources of food
Boobooks are predators and frequently investigate gardens for potential prey including small birds, reptiles, and rodents.
Toxins from baits are travelling up the food chain as birds feed on poisoned rodents. Overtime, the toxins build up in the birds body and result in lethargy, clumsiness, paralysis, and are ultimately fatal.
If baits are required to control a rodent problem, look for the active ingredients Warfarin or Coumatetralyl as they are much less harmful to birdlife.
Providing sources of water
Boobooks prefer to live reasonably close to water and have been known to visit large bird baths and frog ponds to drink.
ReWild Benefits
Birds of prey help to control pest species within the ecosystem. Visit BirdLife Australia to learn more about our native birds of prey. If you have seen one in your neighbourhood or around the home you can record your sighting on Birdata and help scientists monitor their population.
