Marin Academy Eco-Council

Owl Project

The MA Owl Project began in 2005 after parent and student volunteers working in Foster Hall discovered several Barn Owl chicks over a period of several weeks. The chicks had fallen from an unsafe and overcrowded nest in the eaves of the building, and the Owl Project set out to determine how we might help the owls to survive in our community.

Contacts:
Sam Birer

Sample Work:
We ultimately determined that a two-pronged approach was needed, both to provide the owls a safe environment and non-toxic prey. You may have seen the owl boxes (which are safe nesting sites) situated around campus, but less obvious is the change in pest control. MA has switched from a poison-based to a mechanically based system, which protects the owls from the bio-magnification of toxins. With any luck, the owls themselves will also aid us ridding the campus of pests, as each owl consumes numerous rodents per day.

How can others get involved?
The Owl Project is not currently looking for volunteers; however, we may be in the future. Occupied owl boxes need biannual cleaning, so if an owl decides to move in at any point we will need some help. We also greatly appreciate any information regarding owl sightings, particularly if you see one entering a box. Feel free to contact Sam Birer with any questions or comments. Send e-mail to Sam Birer.