...using the logic of ecology

making a natural Italian garden to attract owls

Italy is home to many species of owl and it is considered one of the best habitats in Europe for supporting owls and many other birds of prey. Italys geographical position, its climate and its numerous, varied and sustained natural habitats from the Dolomite mountain range in the north to the flatlands and woods of central Italy support owls perfectly.

Barn owls, Tawny owls, long-eared owls, little owls and even the magnificent eagle owls already flourish all over the Italian Peninsula. However, we can easily make a garden that will save us money, allow us to get to know these stunning owls better and aid the survival of this mysterious and intriguing bird.

A skilled and expert hunter of voles, the owl needs wild flower meadows that sustain varied, beautiful and balanced natural ecosystems, without the presence of pesticides in which to hunt. Towards dusk the owls emerge from their roosting sites in old trees or barns etc and begin hunting field voles and mice by swooping over meadows. Using their incredible sense of sight and flying with feathers that make no sound they glide, effortlessly, just a few feet from the ground. They hover occasionally on their huge wings when they finally pinpoint a vole and dive, smothering it with their head and wings.

Those lucky enough to have witnessed a barn owl hunting over meadowland are unlikely to forget the experience, as they possess an almost ghostlike and rather spiritual aura. Owls are most unlike most other birds and have evolved to hunt nocturnally, fly without making a sound and many other unique evolutionary developments, like being able to turn their head a complete 360. Their eyesight is far superior to most birds and the very shape of their face directs, concentrates and aids light entering the eye, allowing them to see at night and also detect slightest movement. When they do catch a field vole They are able to gulp it down whole and instead of producing faeces in a normal way, they produce compact pellets of indigestible fur and bone that can be carried far away from the nest site.

Owls can easily be heard at night cooing and wooing their territorial and mating calls in the countryside and woods of Italy. The owls nocturnal presence has featured strongly in European folklore and has played havoc with peoples imagination throughout the centuries, mainly because they nest in old churches or ruins. However, this unusual and very special bird means humans no harm whatsoever, contrary to its image. The presence of any owl is quite simply an example of a fully functional, natural and uncontaminated landscape and by designing our own Italian garden or Italian landscape with the owl in mind can only be positive!

The ecologica gardening system has been devised specifically to provide stunning natural habitats that sustain indigenous ecosystems, such as those required by the many species of owl. Although ecologica is a garden design system that was originally devised for the natural garden in Italy, however, it is just as applicable and suitable to any other environment in Europe and, indeed, most of the world. The creation of a wildflower meadow, in Italy or otherwise, will aid the survival of a wide variety of birds and animals but particularly the owls!