| May
15, 2001 University student studies local nocturnal resident As evening descends upon the agricultural landscape of Northeast Arkansas, a local, reclusive resident of the region awakens for a night of hunting. This creature will have a busy night because he isn’t hunting merely for himself - there are young ones that need to be fed. Impelled by this demand, the Barn Owl intently courses over farm fields on long, silent wings, in search of its rodent prey; rice rats and cotton rats both top its list of most desirable choices. Barn Owls are found throughout much of the Delta of Arkansas. Paul Radley, a graduate student at Arkansas State University, who is doing research on this species, can also be found here. The flat, open fields that characterize much of Eastern Arkansas are preferred by the Barn Owl. As its name implies, this bird can typically be found nesting in cavities such as those found in old barns or dead trees. However, populations of this owl in the state are currently in danger, because many of the barns that they once relied upon for shelter are rapidly disappearing, according to Radley. As part of his research, Radley has erected 48 artificial nesting structures for Barn Owls in machine sheds and on trees in selected areas of both Craighead and Poinsett counties. These structures are constructed of 15-inch diameter PVC pipe, and are intended to simulate naturally occurring cavities in order to encourage nesting by these owls. Radley and his major professor, Dr. Jim Bednarz, feel that an increase in available nesting cavities should cause local numbers of this species to increase as well. To better determine where these nest structures should be located, it is necessary to know what habitats these owls frequent most. Consequently, an important aspect of Radley’s work includes tracking the movements of these owls with radio-telemetry. To do so, he attaches small transmitters to young owls just before they leave the nest, allowing him to follow the birds through the night as they go about their business of hunting. The owls generally concentrate their hunting in areas that are abundant in rodents, making the nocturnal creature a "farmer’s best friend." Radley is requesting any information from the public on the nesting locations of Barn Owls to assist with his research. If you know of a nest, please contact Paul Radley, Department of Biology, P.O. Box 599, Arkansas State University, State University, Arkansas 72467; Phone Number, (870) 972-3082; e-mail, pradley@mail.astate.edu |
 University Communications Office Jonesboro, Arkansas Staff: Tom Moore Straley Snipes Vic Nelson 870-972-3056 fax 870-972-3069 Send mail: ASUnews@omaha.astate.edu Links: List of News/Announcements Upcoming Public Events About ASU ASU Home Page |
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