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The Raptor Perch is nothing more that a manmade version of removed tree snags that raptors covet. As advantageous as nesting
boxes are to breeding beneficial cavity nesters, introducing Raptor Perches encourages hunting birds to return and stay to
thump vineyard pests.
Raptors show a preference towards perches that provide protection from attack from above and behind. Made from 2"
x 4" and 2" x 2" fir lumber with dual cross pieces for over head protection, the design achieves this by placing
two cross pieces at least 3 feet apart. Attaching an American Kestrel nesting box three feet above the lower cross piece
will substitute for the upper cross piece, providing the birds with a sense of security as well as a nesting space for these
predators. Cross pieces should be fairly substantial in size with 2" x 4" x 24" long recommended. Strength
and stability are important.
In open vineyards without trees, or areas that have Great Horn Owls, you can place a Raptor Perch 50 yards in front of
your Barn Owl nest boxes as this does many things to aid the Barn Owls. It helps them find the nest box faster, gives a secure
landing for fledging owlets, acts as a hunting platform and more important thwarts surprise attacks from Great Horn Owls that
prey of Barn Owls and other owls too.
Perches should be oriented so that the cross pieces point east and west. This provides optimum visibility for the perching
birds with respect to early morning and late afternoon sun light.
The Raptor Perch is by far the most important tool for keeping raptors where you want them for controlling rodent and
rattle snake infested areas. Insect eating songbirds will also use Raptor Perches to give them a height advantage when hunting
insects.
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