Aubange installs 16 nest boxes for the Little Owl

The municipality has completed the installation of new shelters for the small raptor, promoting local biodiversity.

Close-up of a rustic wooden barn owl nest box placed on a tree branch in a green orchard, soft light.
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Close-up of a rustic wooden barn owl nest box placed on a tree branch in a green orchard, soft light.

The Municipality of Aubange has finalized the installation of 16 nest boxes intended to house the Little Owl, thereby enhancing biodiversity within its territory.

Last February, the town launched an appeal to citizens to identify suitable locations for the Little Owl. This bird particularly favors old orchards, rich meadows, and agricultural areas with hedges, where it can hunt rodents and insects, both day and night, being the most diurnal of owls.
Several criteria guided the choice of locations: the presence of a tree strong enough to support a 12 kg nest, branches situated between 3 and 6 meters high to allow young owls to practice flying and build muscle, and a location at least 500 meters from a wood, in a pasture conducive to hunting rodents.
By the end of September, the municipality's environmental service completed the installation of these 16 nest boxes distributed throughout the territory. These new shelters are now ready to welcome the small raptor.
The next step in the project will be to install a camera in an occupied nest to monitor a brood online, 24/7.
The municipality thanks the citizens who opened their doors to host biodiversity, as well as Mr. Jean-François Maquet, an agricultural engineer specializing in the species, for his valuable advice and physical assistance. Thanks are also extended to the environmental service for its commitment.
Based on information from the official source: Commune d’Aubange — Actualités (02/10/2026)