In mid-May, a nest of Barn Owls was found in a silo in Rockingham County, Virginia. The nest was destroyed when the cattle feed in the silo was removed, and the four Barn Owl chicks in the nest came to the Wildlife Center of Virginia.
Barn Owls are known for nesting in man-made structures, and unfortunately, populations have suffered because of this close contact with humans. According to the Virginia Department of Inland Fisheries website, “Different in many ways than the other owls, barn owls have become the most dependent on man. They are found almost entirely in manmade structures, especially abandoned silos, barns, or even duck blinds. The principle diet of this owl species is voles, especially meadow voles. Their primary hunting grounds are abandoned fields, pastures, and marshy areas. This owl has suffered greatly from the unrestricted use of rodenticides around farm buildings where many have died after eating poisoned rats and mice.” Read more about Barn Owls in our Frequently Asked Questions.
All four Barn Own chicks were slightly dehydrated but healthy and were quickly moved to a small outdoor enclosure to limit their contact with humans.
During the following weeks, the chicks ate well and gained weight. They are currently residing in the Center’s aviary, since so many other flight pens are full of recovering raptor patients!