Owls are adept at controlling pest populations — a skill you can use in your backyard while protecting owls from secondary poisoning caused by rodent killers. “A single adult barn owl may eat 1,000 rodents per year on your property,” said Michelle Hawkins, director of the California Raptor Center at UC Davis. “Establishing a barn owl box should draw these birds to your property, clearing the neighborhood of rodents naturally.”

Assembly notes:

• Roof dimensions are 26" x 21"
• Bottom dimensions are 24" x 19"
• Use 3/4-inch thick plywood for all parts.
• Mount the box on a tall post or tree in a wide, open area. The box should be at least 5 feet away from any branches or ledges that predators might use to enter the box.