Start Date
4-9-2026 12:00 AM
Description
We are evaluating the efficacy of owl surveys via camera trap studies. Sites were set in desert habitat. The study location was south of Green River, Utah on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land within 5 miles of I-70. This project comes from another camera trap study for Kit fox (Vulpes macrotis) in which we noticed a trend in owls being attracted to squeaker boxes used in the study as an audio lure. We also used a variety of other lures. Lures that were used for bait Tuna cans and vienna sausages. An olfactory lure was used in the form of a red fox scent lure. We use an auditory squeaker box lure as well. Cameras were placed in grid squares pointing at Kit fox habitat (Vulpes macrotis) and approximately 1.5 to 2 feet off the ground. Cameras were set to motion activation and to take three photos when motion was detected. In 2024 we had 168 total camera trap nights between all cameras placed. In 2023 we had (insert number) of camera trap nights. Preliminary results we noticed a trend in owls landing near or around squeaker boxes. We have images captured of Western Screech-owl (Megascops kennicottii) and also a possible burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) capture. Our study provides an interesting new way managers could possibly do owls survey in areas by camera trap.
Included in
The Use of Auditory Calls to Enhancing Detecting of Owls at Camera Traps in Southeastern Utah
We are evaluating the efficacy of owl surveys via camera trap studies. Sites were set in desert habitat. The study location was south of Green River, Utah on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land within 5 miles of I-70. This project comes from another camera trap study for Kit fox (Vulpes macrotis) in which we noticed a trend in owls being attracted to squeaker boxes used in the study as an audio lure. We also used a variety of other lures. Lures that were used for bait Tuna cans and vienna sausages. An olfactory lure was used in the form of a red fox scent lure. We use an auditory squeaker box lure as well. Cameras were placed in grid squares pointing at Kit fox habitat (Vulpes macrotis) and approximately 1.5 to 2 feet off the ground. Cameras were set to motion activation and to take three photos when motion was detected. In 2024 we had 168 total camera trap nights between all cameras placed. In 2023 we had (insert number) of camera trap nights. Preliminary results we noticed a trend in owls landing near or around squeaker boxes. We have images captured of Western Screech-owl (Megascops kennicottii) and also a possible burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) capture. Our study provides an interesting new way managers could possibly do owls survey in areas by camera trap.