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Welcome to the Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County

Announcements/News:


**NOW AVAILABLE***
REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS FOR CONTRACTORS
FUEL REDUCTION/TREE REMOVAL IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY

The RCD’s “D3” Tree Removal & Fuels Reduction Program is looking for qualified contractors for upcoming tree removal projects
in Descanso.  Download the Pre-Certification Application (CLICK HERE)

 

 

Descanso Residents:
Do you have dead or dying oak trees on your property? You may qualify for removal of these trees through our program at NO COST to you! CLICK HERE to link to the D3 Oak Tree Mortality Web Page.

VOLUNTARY QUARANTINE REQUESTED!!!
Please. . .DO NOT MOVE, GIVE OR SELL ANY OAK WOOD FROM YOUR PROPERTY. Please CLICK HERE to learn how to stop the spread of the Goldspotted Oak Borer (GSOB) infestation. For further information contact the RCD of Greater San Diego County at:
619.749.4232 or D3info@rcdsandiego.org

Click below for the:
San Diego Regional School Garden Resource Center

 

 

Great-Horned Owls - Photo by Christopher Blaylock

How to Build
Owl Boxes/Houses

If you want to make an owl house to provide a potential home for a nearby owl, you need to know what owls look for in a home. If owls decide to take up residence in the owl house, then you will probably get to enjoy their presence from time to time.

 

How to Make an Owl House

Owls are creatures of the night, and great to have around as a form of pest control due to their natural diet that is mainly composed of rodents. If you are interested in attracting a local owl to your property, consider constructing and installing an owl house. Identify the owls local to your area and climate, and then research what type you want to attract to your property. Armed with this information you can construct an owl house that will encourage owl nesting behaviors.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

 

  • Wood
  • PVC pipe
  • PVC cutters
  • Electric Saw
  • Piece of scrap carpeting
  • Piece of aluminum
  • Screws
  • Drill

 

 

 

  1. Step 1

    Research the type of owl you want to attract. Different species of owls have different housing requirements so you must build accordingly. Realize that all owl houses must be mounted out at least 12 feet above the ground. Most houses are made from a mixture of PVC, aluminum and wood, so purchase your supplies accordingly.

  2. Step 2

    Cut your wood and PVC to the appropriate size. Owls prefer circular nesting areas, so using a large piece of PVC as the house will be most effective. Plug one end of the PVC pipe by cutting a piece of wood accordingly and then adhering with glue. Allow to completely dry.

  3. Step 3

    Cut and install the length of carpet inside the PVC. This can be held in place using your wood screws. The carpet will allow for a place for the owl to sit inside of the house and be able to get a good purchase on the surface to move about inside.

  4. Step 4

    Bend the aluminum so it forms a shape similar to a peaked roof house. Install this at the top of your PVC pipe. This will serve as extra protection for the house. The aluminum roof can be securely attached to the PVC pipe using screws.

  5. Step 5

    Drill at least one large ventilation hole to on one side of the PVC home, towards the back of the house. Make this hole about halfway up the height of the pipe so it is centered in the middle of the pipe.

    Continue to customize and shape the house according to the owls you are trying to attract. Ensure that all screws are securely tightened and the glue is set before installing the owl house. Install the house at least 100 feet away from any human dwelling.

 

 

 

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