Brenda,

My uncle, in Newberg, Oregon, had nesting barn owls for twenty years (in
fact, they still nest there even though he is gone). Each year they were
quite successful, raising from 3-7 chicks, which eventually wandered around
the countryside. (Newberg is west of Portland in rolling hill country of
small farms, wineries, and the end of the commuter run to Portland.)

Since he was quite a conservationist and felt strongly about the barn owl's
place in the environment, he talked to many people and got them to put up
platforms in their barns and other outbuildings. He said that many of
these platforms were quite successful and that the people were quite
thrilled having *their own* owls.

So, my suggestion is to "yes," put a nesting structure in an adjacent barn
or suitable building, and suggest that others do so, too.

Regards,

Diann MacRae
Bothell
tvulture at halcyon.com