Many of the big old trees with hollows around this area are dying and hollow nesting birds such as powerful owls may find it hard to find somewhere to nest. In 2011 The Friends’ Group of RIS decided to apply for funding to build some nesting boxes for powerful owls which are sometimes seen and heard around the sanctuary. By 2013 funding was obtained and Jim Greenwood from Melbourne came here one day to show and explain one of the boxes he makes for nesting powerful owls which are sometimes seen and heard around the sanctuary. By 2013 funding was obtained and Jim Greenwood from Melbourne came here one day to show and explain one of the boxes he makes for nesting powerful owls.
Pam brought along a lifelike sculpture of a powerful owl to show us.
.Six boxes were ordered for locations near here including one for a secluded location in the sanctuary.
At last the boxes were ready. Friends’ member Peter Wilson, appropriately qualified and experienced as a tree climber carefully placed the boxes in the chosen locations, guided by Jim Greenwood on the ground, while a few of us watched in awe.
Now the boxes are checked regularly for infestation by bees and other damage by Peter Wilson and another local man.
No powerful owls have been reported using the boxes although a Boobook owl was photographed in the doorway of one box and some ducks nested in another.