The old saying is still true. This was just one of several groups at the 2009 BOCS spring work day. It’s astonishing what can be accomplished when the synergy of a team of enthusiastic volunteers comes into play. Using hand tools exclusively, BOCS burrow crews have installed over 800 burrows. Not too shabby! This installation style is infinitely adaptable; it just takes longer with fewer people. I can’t really say it’s quieter than using power tools and a portable generator, but the sound of good-natured ribbing and laughter punctuated by grunts, scraping and thuds is a happy sort of background music. Check out your local road cuts for rocks if your site won’t cooperate in providing them. Even buying some at a landscape supply is pretty cheap. In our area (Northern California) putting half inch hardware cloth under open-bottomed chambers (covered by enough soil to protect your owls’ feet) keeps them from being turned into dirt storage areas by gophers and their ilk. BuOws need to see over the surrounding (short) vegetation. Your rocks may suffice, especially if the burrow is on a little rise. In doubt? Check out Perches.http://www.burrowingowlbc.org/Garden_Variety_Tools.htmlChecklist.htmlshapeimage_1_link_0shapeimage_1_link_1shapeimage_1_link_2
Many hands make light work.
Many thanks to 
the BOCS mystery photographer who took this shot 
with my camera.
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