I've had a lot on inquiries about owl-friendly rodenticides. As many of you are aware secondary poisoning is a major threat to owls, particularly the barn owl. This occurs when the owl feeds on poisoned rats and mice and in turn gets poisoned. I've learned there is a product called eradibait which is a successful rodenticide but isn't harmful to other birds or animals.
In Ireland this product can be ordered through Biotech Environmental, click on their name for a link to their website.

Another very useful website is Greenpatch which is an Irish site dedicated to encouraging all things green.

To Watch Don Conroy's recent appearance on the Late Late Show click here

Don appeared on the RTE'S The Late Late Show recently to launch Halifax's innovative competition aimed at primary schools in Ireland. The competition is asking primary schools around the country to come up with designs for a new Owl habitat which will be housed at the ISPCA's National Animal Centre in Longford.

The Barn Owl (Scréachóg na Reilige), an inspiration for many of Don's books and paintings, has dramatically declined in Ireland over the last number of years. Recent estimates put the number of pairs left at around 300. There are many reasons for this decline; intensive farming, secondary poisoning, road accidents and loss of suitable habitats. Halifax's initiative could not have come at a more opportune time.

Great work is already being done by Birdwatch Ireland and anyone who sees a barn owl should get in touch with them via their website.


To enter Halifax's competition for schools click here:
Halifax Nestbox Competition

Here is just one example of a barn owl nest-box.