2013 Season - BARN OWL CAM LINK HERE
2011 Season
6 eggs are being incubated so far this 2011 season
The Barn OwlCam came into existence when the WildWatch staff received a request from a WDFW habitat biologist and hatchery manager to conduct a site and feasibility inspection for a barn owlcam. WDFW staff had recently completed construction of a barn owl nest box with modifications to an attic vent for a small entry area into the nest box. Recent demolition of a nearby barn that had long-standing documented use of barn owls, led the biologist to pursue getting some nest boxes constucted in an attempt to attract nesting owls. Within a few months, one of the nest boxes was occupied by a pair of barn owls.
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When we set up cameras to capture actual real-time images, we get whatever it is that nature hands out. It is a risk we take. Many times, it is a positive experience for everyone, as we watch young animals grow and mature. At other times, it is not so pleasant. But if we want to show our majestic wildlife to the world, it is important that we understand they also face risks from many directions.
When we established the WildWatchCam program, we anticipated that at some time the view might be unpleasant for some. We consulted with many biologists, and their advice was “once the birds start nesting, the risks to the chicks are far greater if a human intervenes than if we don’t.” So that is our operating philosophy. Once the birds begin the nesting process, we are done until all young have fledged and the adults move on. We don’t adjust cameras that get knocked out of alignment; we don’t clean cameras that get splattered by rain or feces; and we don’t interfere with what nature dishes out. But we do get to learn about the life and death struggles that occur out of our windows.
We invite you to enjoy our other WildWatchCam scenes. Or, grab your binoculars and step out into our great outdoors and see what discoveries await you.
Barn Owl Cam - Washington State (WDFW)
