Open Space Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2018 11 14

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with viewers. Website metrics from July, 2018 indicate that the CARRI website had over 16,000 households from 38 countries watching the birds in the month of July alone. CARRI's founder, Scott Rashid, has also published books on Great Horned Owls, Small Mountain Owls, and Northern Goshawks; and also many publications including articles in Birders Guide to Conservation and Community, The Colorado Field Ornithology Quarterly, and Bird Watchers Digest. As part of the City's partnership with CARRI, the City would provide funding in the amount of approximately $1,500. This funding would go towards the purchase of materials (nest boxes for both Barn Owls and American Kestrels and five cameras), installation of nest boxes and cameras, monitoring costs, response to citizen inquiries, content for the City website, and feedings (if supported by OSAB). Discussion Regarding Social Issues: Listed below are two scenarios that could occur in Louisville. Staff is seeking OSABS support or recommendations for the action plans provided below. 1. Concern: What if a pet (small dog or cat) is found in the nest? Plan of action: Due to Great Horned Owls capability to take large prey, they have been known to take house cats and small dogs. CARRI tells people, that these birds are wild and that they take prey to feed to their young. If your cat or dog is out near the owls, it may be taken. Pets will not be removed from a nest but cameras will be turned off if this issue is recognized in time. 2. Concern: If the adult birds are killed or abandon the nest, will the City support CARRI in efforts to supplement the diet of the existing birds? Will camera be left on or turned off? Will the chicks be delivered to a rehabilitator or left to starve and die? Plan of action: It is always possible that the adult birds will get killed or vacate the nest during the nesting season. CARRI has had this happen three times on various nest sites. In all three occasions, the decision was made to purchase mice and feed the young until they fledged. The City would support supplemental feeding and if the chicks need additional attention they will be sent to a rehabilitation center. Next Steps: If OSAB recommends moving forward, staff will work with CARRI to identify nest box and nest locations for cameras; develop web links, and develop website content once a nest is found to be active. For some locations installation would occur in late November/early December to ensure that species are not being disturbed by human presence. • Page 2 8