Colorado’s owls need a little help. Here’s why your backyard might make an ideal home for one

Owls are symbols of wisdom, and heroes of literature – from Greek mythology to Harry Potter.  
 
But a leading conservation agency says owls are in trouble along Colorado’s Front Range. They’re losing critical habitat as cities and suburban areas expand. 

The Bird Conservancy of the Rockies recently launched what it calls the Urban Owl Nest Box program.  It’s an unusual project that asks Front Range residents to create nesting spaces for eastern screech owls in their backyards. 

Marion Clément is a senior avian ecologist with the Bird Conservancy. She spoke with Erin O'Toole about why owls are so important to our ecosystem, how to get involved and why the organization says it’s prioritizing these nocturnal birds with the new program.  

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
 
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

What is In The NOCO?

KUNC's In The NOCO is a daily look at the stories, news, people and issues important to you. It's a window to the communities along the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The show explores the big stories of the day, bringing context and insight to issues that matter. And because life in Northern Colorado is a balance of work and play, we explore the lighter side of news, highlighting what makes this state such an incredible place to live.