[obol] Limits rats with Barn Owls?

[Jeff Gilligan]

Since Norway rats will never be eliminated from  the mainland of Washington,
I suggest exploring the possibility of providing Barn Owls with nest boxes
in areas with rat concentrations.  As I understand Barn Owls, they are not
territorial  (or at least not very territorial) and will nest in
concentrations where there is sufficient food supply.  This has occurred to
me in regard to the rat population along Portland¹s waterfront.  Perhaps in
this way rats numbers can be controlled.  Additionally, if it is effect, it
might serve as an instructive tool to the general population about the
benefit of birds, and the maintenance of a balance among species.


On 12/1/07 10:30 PM, "MurrayH at aol.com" <MurrayH at aol.com> wrote:

> Dr. Paulson:  Your posting came at the same time as an article in the News
> Tribune of Nov. 28th.  Evidently wildlife scientists are planning to eradicate
> the rats on the Aleutian Islands' Rat Island.  The muscular Norway rats
> typically have 4 to 6 litters a year and , according to the article, riddle
> the island with burrows, trails, droppings, and chewed vegetation.  They
> evidently feed on eggs and chicks of nesting puffins, auklets, and storm
> petrels.
>         I don't know if it's verifiable but the Rat Island assault, beginning
> as early as next October, involves the use of a blood thinner causing the
> rodents to bleed to death   ??  Maybe O.K. for Rat Island,  but anywhere in
> our WA  Ports of Call? Can someone suggest what we can do?
>                                                     Hopefully,    Murray
>  
> 
> 
> 
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