The Barn Owl Box was designed by Mark Browning, an animal trainer and field researcher for the Pittsburgh Zoo. Browning
has studied barn owls for the past seven years and conducted the first satellite telemetry study of the barn owl's seasonal
movements. The idea for a lightweight, long-lasting barn owl box that could be fitted into prefabricated metal barns grew
out of his conservation efforts on behalf of this valuable predator.
As wooden barns are increasingly being replaced
by metal structures, the barn owls are not afforded places to nest. The Barn Owl Box satisfies the needs of the farmer to
have a barn secure from pests, and the needs of this beautiful bird. At the same time, the farmer benefits from the high
number of harmful rodents consumed by the birds.
| Preparing to take blood for DNA sexing |
|
| Mark Browning with Dr. Frank Ammer of Frostburg University |
