Barn Owl boxes installed in Macon County to help attract the species back to central Illinois

MACON COUNTY, Ill. (WAND) - Barn owls are Endangered in Illinois, but they remain broadly distributed in the state, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

To help bring the species back to the area, Scovill Zoo and Macon County Conservation District teamed up to install Barn Owl boxes throughout different areas in the county.

"The goal is to attract barn owls back to central Illinois and Illinois in general," said Ken Frye, Director of Scovill Zoo.

Frye shared that Barn Owls used to be common around the area, but over the years habitat loss has forced the species to find a new place to call home.

"Hopefully by putting these boxes up in Macon County on conservation district land and we will be putting these on park district land, it will give them a choice to raise their young."

In total, there are 5 boxes installed in Macon County. Ethan Snively, Natural Resources Manager for Macon County Conservation District, told WAND News they got the boxes from IDNR. His hope is the boxes will help raise awareness.

"The education aspect of these is really important," he said.

Macon County Conservation District works with the local Audubon on the blue birdhouses. Over 100 nesting boxes are checked by 10 to 15 volunteers who count the eggs and chicks. Those nesting results are reported to the Cornell University NestWatch project.

For anyone interested in purchasing a Barn Owl Box click here.