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Commission advances bird‑box projects; Owl boxes to be built by Oliver Wolcott shop, Purple Martin site found unsuitable at Bowman Gardens
Summary
The commission received updates on two bird‑habitat projects: an Oliver Wolcott school woodshop will build four owl boxes for delivery in early February, and Audubon advised that Bowman Gardens is not a suitable location for a Purple Martin colony due to site constraints.
Commissioners reviewed two separate bird‑habitat efforts: construction of owl boxes and an inquiry about installing Purple Martin housing at Bowman Gardens.
Owl boxes: Staff reported the Oliver Wolcott high‑school woodshop has agreed to build four owl boxes and expects to deliver them in early February. The panel discussed construction details: the wood provided must be properly kiln‑dried, plywood thickness and corner reinforcements are needed and the commission must still purchase hardware and trim stock. Staff noted box plans called for additional 1x corner supports and that hardware, entry/venting details and mount specifications will be finalized with the shop teacher.
Purple Martins: A resident, Mary Guilfoyle, had attended an Audubon talk and proposed locating Purple Martin housing at Bowman Gardens. Staff relayed Audubon guidance that Purple Martins require open foraging fields in sight of water and a minimum distance from tree lines (Audubon guidance cited by staff noted about 40 feet from trees). Staff and Audubon concluded Bowman Gardens does not meet those siting criteria; the commission discussed other river‑shore or Army Corps project areas near the bike path as alternative locations. Staff said they would ask Mary to confirm whether Audubon would supply poles or housing and would research potential suitable locations.
Why it matters: Both projects are small‑scale habitat improvements that provide community‑facing natural‑resource education and habitat benefits. The owl‑box build also functions as a student woodshop project.
Next steps: Staff will finalize hardware and material lists for the owl boxes and coordinate pickup and delivery in February. For Purple Martins, staff will confirm whether Audubon will supply materials or guidance and will investigate alternate sites along the Naugatuck shoreline that meet species‑specific siting requirements.
Ending: The commission welcomed the projects as low‑cost, community‑oriented habitat work and will revisit installation logistics once materials and site selection are confirmed.
