When Norm called to say they had the pole mount ready, we confirmed the meeting time late in the afternoon. The only problem was, we needed one more person. I turned to Nick, and he gladly volunteered his time.
Nick was the perfect person to help us out. Not only did he have a strong back, he had experience working with Barn Owls in Virginia as a Forestry student. With his input, we chose the most appropriate site for the second box.
The area we chose is covered in blackberry, briars, and poison ivy during warmer months. At this time of year, it's mostly matted grass, with small depressions left over from sleeping White-tailed Deer. It was in just such a depression that we placed the pole mount.
Nick was so enthusiastic that he took on the role of elevating the box. Robin is seen here securing the metal flange to the board attached to the bottom of the box. One wrong move, and the whole thing comes toppling over. Hardwood mulch placed inside the box can make it difficult to center.
Learning from our mistakes with Box #1, we were able to install the second box in half the time. Barn Owl Box #2 in place!! Pictured from left: Nick, Robin, and Mark.
Look for Box #2 as you make the bend at the end of the willows at Mason Farm. It should be visible year round from the trail. The entrance hole to the box can be seen from the trail leading to the woods, looking back to the northeast. Please do not disturb the nest box!
As we finished cleaning up, we were approached by a local landowner who lives in southwestern Orange County, precisely where we were targeting some of our future nest boxes. He offered to buy one himself if we would install it. This project seems blessed from the start.
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