Great Horned Owls Aid Monterey Homeowners in Rodent Control
The Rise of Owl Platforms in the Monterey Peninsula
Carmel Owls, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting natural solutions for wildlife management, is making waves across the Monterey Peninsula. Their initiative involves installing platforms specifically designed for great horned owls, aiming to help homeowners tackle rodent problems in an eco-friendly manner.
Paul Falworth, the chief owl officer of Carmel Owls, explains that many residents face issues with rodents damaging their property. "A lot of people have problems with rats eating their car wiring harnesses, which are soy-based, since 2015," he said. This growing problem has led the organization to focus on encouraging the presence of great horned owls, which can naturally control rodent populations.
Progress and Goals
The group recently completed the second phase of its installations, putting up eight platforms last week and another eight this week. Their goal is to install a total of 35 platforms this year. Each platform is built to last approximately 30 years, ensuring long-term benefits for both the community and the environment.
Great horned owls typically start searching for nesting spots in December and January, with the nesting season beginning in February. Once established, owl families can consume around seven rodents each night for two to three months, significantly reducing local rodent populations without the need for harmful chemicals.
Natural Predation and Environmental Benefits
Falworth emphasizes the importance of returning to natural predation methods. "It's returning to natural predation, trying to get rid of rodenticides, which has a lot of secondary kill when you spread poison in your backyard, obviously, dogs and cats and other raptors," he explained. By avoiding the use of poisons, the organization hopes to protect not only the owls but also other wildlife and pets in the area.
Volunteers play a crucial role in building and installing these platforms. However, the process is selective, with only about one in 10 applicants qualifying for installation. Robb Talbott, a property owner who had a platform installed last week, shared his experience. "Rodents have caused significant damage to equipment and problems around my home for years," he said. "The bird will do the rest, so we don't poison the environment. I've never used poison to kill gophers. We're hoping for our family to come when the season chooses, to help us. Until then, we trap every single day."
Educational Opportunities
Stevenson School recently joined the effort by having a platform installed next to its new science building. This provides students with a unique opportunity to observe the owls from the third floor, enhancing their understanding of local wildlife and ecological balance.
Andrew Czerny, a science teacher at Stevenson School, expressed excitement about the project. "We never know if a mating pair of owls are going to find a nest and actually inhabit it. But, if they do, I'm all ready to put up a cam and have it livestreamed and have people from wherever they are, they can keep track of the owls," he said.
Future Outlook
Carmel Owls hopes to see owls move into the platforms by next April, although it could take a year or two for the birds to fully establish themselves. The organization remains optimistic about the long-term impact of their efforts, both on rodent control and environmental health.
