New Year, New Owl Nests With Central Boulevard Elementary

Happy new year! With 2019 officially over, I've spent some time (as the park ecologist) reflecting on the ways Bethpage State Park has implemented environmental learning this past year. I think its safe to say, that in just 12 months, we have offered a variety of new and exciting activities for the local community. While our staff thoroughly enjoys putting together these events, we've also been lucky enough to partner up with like-minded individuals whom believe in the beauty of nature and the ecosystem services our park provides.        

One of these esteemed supporters is school teacher Kate Wright! Recently, Mrs. Wright and I became committed to organizing a hands-on activity for her students in their impressive new STEM lab. The task we picked was building nests for Bethpage State Park's great horned owls! Not only would this be a fun-filled activity for her class before winter break, it would also give them a chance to give back to the park they had just visited for a STEM field trip in September.

Why Great Horned Owls?

To many's surprise, great horned owls do not build their own homes. These birds-of-prey adopt the abandoned nests of other species...or at our park, utilize artificial nests built by employee Jim Jones! Jim is an excellent nest-crafter. He hes built artificial nests for many years, perfecting the method each time. These nests are almost always utilized by our resident owls and have assisted successfully fledged chicks. With both holiday and nesting season approaching, I thought "What better time, then now, to give these birds the gift of some new and improved homes?"

Setting Up the Nesting Cones

First Jim and I built the structures from chicken wire and tar paper (to save the students from having to use tricky tools and materials). To do so, we folded and stapled tar paper to resemble a cone. Next, we wrapped chicken wire around the exterior. To give the nest a sturdy base, we cut a hole and placed large branches into the center. For the last step of prep, both Jim and I went on a hunt for the best vines and pine needles we could find! These would be the materials we would have the kids use, to further construct the two nests.

Central Boulevard Gears Up to Build Owl Homes!

                                                                                         Before students got to work, Jim and I made sure to give the class a quick background lesson regarding owls and nesting behavior. We passed around pictures and also made time for owl Q&A! The students also got a kick out of Jim's accurate display of different owl calls!

After the lesson, it was time to get to work! Students began weaving and securing vines inside the nest cones. These vines gives the nests a more natural feel and ensures a sturdier lining. Fun Fact: While great horned owl parents do not build, they do amend! Often parents will add fluffier cushioning to the inside of a nest, by using their own feathers or the feathers from their prey.

Not only did the students have Jim and I as guides...

...but Director of Science Janice Yale and teaching assistant Kathleen Potral lent a helping hand!

We also had the pleasure of a visit from Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Mike Spence, and Superintendent of Schools Dave Schneider. They both joined in on the fun!

Some Finishing Touches...

The finale was to add some pine branches to the weaved nest cones.

Students took it a step further, by creatively imagining the owlets in there soon to be homes! 

All in all, this was a wonderful event! A special thanks to Olivia Abbatiello for helping me document this special day, with photos for this blog. As for Mrs. Wright, it is always such a pleasure organizing these events with you! We greatly appreciate all you have done, and continue to do with our park. I'd also like to thank all other faculty, whom welcomed us to teach at Central Boulevard Elementary.

As for the students who participated: you are ALL official environmental stewards of Bethpage State Park! With your efforts, our park is a more inviting place for great horned owls in the new year. Our staff thanks you and our owl species will too, now that they have beautifully crafted homes. Stay tuned for updates and photographs as we dive into studying the owl nests this winter!