Barn owls (Tyto alba) were not historically common on Nantucket. They were first reported on the island in the early 1960s, with the first confirmed nest documented in 1968. Historically the population was small — roughly 15–20 pairs before 2002 — and the species remains at the northern edge of its range due to Nantucket’s cold winters. Severe winter weather in 2002–2005 caused a major population crash, with only one known breeding owl recorded in 2005.

Since 2006, however, the population has gradually rebounded. This recovery has been supported in part by the installation of nest boxes across the island, providing safe breeding sites within Nantucket’s open grassland habitats. In Massachusetts, barn owls are listed as a Species of Special Concern, reflecting their low numbers and vulnerability to habitat change and extreme weather.

On Nantucket, barn owls play an important ecological role by helping to control rodent populations, benefiting both local ecosystems and the community. Ongoing monitoring by the MMA tracks their distribution, breeding success, and response to environmental conditions. The MMA remains committed to studying and protecting these remarkable birds, analyzing long-term trends, and engaging the community in understanding and supporting this unique island population.

Through our Barn Owl Sponsorship Program, you can request a nest box for your property, and our team will contact you for a site visit to determine if your location is suitable.

With your support, we can expand educational programs and hands-on experiences that inspire Nantucket residents and visitors alike to become champions for wildlife. The late Dr. Bob Kennedy played a central role in barn owl research and conservation at the MMA, and under his leadership, the number of barn owl nest boxes on the island grew to more than seventy. With your partnership, we can ensure that Dr. Kennedy’s legacy of curiosity, dedication, and passion for nature continues to inspire generations to come.

How to Get Involved

Step 1 – Purchase and install a Barn Owl nest box. If you wish to purchase a new box or replace an old one, please contact Jónelle Gurley, at jgurley@mariamitchell.org and we will arrange to have a new Barn Owl nest box built and installed for you. There is a one-time fee for the construction and installation of each nest box.

Step 2 – An annual $350 donation will keep your sponsored box monitored. Our 2026 sponsorship form can be downloaded and returned via mail, or you can elect to complete our online payment form here.

Forms and dues can be submitted via mail to:
The Maria Mitchell Association
Attn: Jónelle Gurley
4 Vestal Street
Nantucket, MA 02554

Barn Owl Program Team:
Ginger Andrews, MMA Field Ornithologist
Mitch Blake, MMA Volunteer

Kim and Tom Griswold, MMA Volunteer

Anja Hagenson, MMA Volunteer

Skyler Kardell, MMA Volunteer

Dr. Bob Kennedy †, Senior Research Fellow

Program Goals

• To monitor the population of Barn Owls on Nantucket to understand their abundance, reproduction, distribution and dispersal and how weather impacts these variables.
• To support the Maria Mitchell Association through an active research program that actually provides income to cover the project cost and to contribute to the general operating expenses of the organization.
• To provide research experiences to MMA Natural Science interns and unique experiences to other MMA interns and staff.
• To educate our sponsors and the public about Barn Owls and their benefits to controlling rodent populations, thus reducing the impact of Lyme Disease on Nantucket.

We accomplish these goals through an annual donation of $350 for each nest box a donor wants to sponsor.