Hooting for change
The Owl Box Project by EcoSolutions is set to promote the protection of wild birds in communities.
As urbanisation expands, natural habitats shrink, rodents multiply and the role of owls becomes increasingly vital in maintaining ecological balance.
EcoSolutions has launched its Owl Box Project, which specialises in manufacturing, installing, and managing owl boxes tailored to South Africa’s majestic Spotted Eagle Owl and Barn Owl populations.
On October 30, Roodepoort Northsider journalist Tshegofatso Thobedi was invited to an Owl Box Project initiative where members of EcoSolutions were installing a SAFRING on an owlet.
The installation takes place with registered ringers being permanently marked on wild birds to study their lifecycles (births, deaths, age of breeding, and survival rates), habits, populations, and movements. To do this, metal rings (marked with unique numbers) are attached to the bird for future identification.
Arjen van Zwieten, who specialises in owls, installed the SAFRING with the assistance of homeowner Nicolette Basson where the owls are situated. She has dedicated her beautiful yard and love for animals to caring for owls, providing them with an owl box where the mother can safely raise her owlets.
“This programme is significant because since we introduced it in 2001, about 260 000 children and parents have participated, shattering the negative stereotypes surrounding owls.
“If an owlet goes missing and is found with the SAFRING, it will be much easier to track their movements and take them home because their information will remain on the system. Additionally, we also provide a clean-up service for the owl box once a year before breeding season,” explains marketing specialist Sara Orchardson.
