Having an Owl Nesting Box is Exciting,

But also Takes Accountability

      Barn Owls and Western Screech Owls are known as cavity dwellers but will also use artificial cavities in the form of nest boxes.  However, the responsibilities listed below should not be taken lightly. After speaking with our representative and you both feel confident that you have a good spot for the box and you can agree to abide by the conditions below, enjoy the knowledge that you are helping bring back the balance in nature right in your own yard.

Barn Owl Nesting Box, Sometimes Chosen as a Home by Screech Owls

Disturbing any native bird is against Federal Law…. especially when nesting!!

Resist the Urge to Peek!

        It is not ever recommended that you peek into the nesting box .This will startle the female. If she is incubating eggs she may abort the nesting process, or if there are nestlings or even fledglings, she may also leave them at the mercy of predators or death from neglect.  You can look into the air hole in the bottom of the box to see if the holes are obstructed from ground level.  Watch the box entry hole between dusk and dawn.  Listen for activity, if there are nestlings, it will be noisy especially when the male brings back food.  Check below the box for regurgitated owl pellets and feces.  Another way is to check if there is a white film around the entry hole, which is a residue from feathers.

      There is no perch on the box for a reason. The owls do not need a perch.  Installing a perch could make it easy for predators to get inside.

Installation:

          The box can be installed on top of a pole with the base cemented into the ground, or into a large tree trunk.  Arborists have assured us that the nails will not damage the tree in any way.  The box should be 10 to 12 feet off of the ground. 

Placement:

          Face the entry hole out toward a meadow or yard or some other type    of open area so that the owls can just swoop in.  If it is in a tree, the nestlings will be able to do their “branching”.  This means they clumsily flop around in the limbs of the tree building strength and getting their bearings.  They are able to climb back up the tree, so do not worry if you see one on or near the ground.  Of course, keep an eye on your pets to make sure the owlets are safe.

Ø Protect the owls, your children and pets from poisoning by not using

 rodenticides (rat & gopher poisons) and herbicides or pesticides on your property.  Since the owls don’t generally hunt near their box, probably because it would draw attention to their nest, go the extra mile, be nosey and find out if they are in use on your neighbor’s properties. IF so, do your best to convert them.  Barn owls do not generally hunt close to their nest.  this could attract predators.

Ø If the box is located in Sonoma County, notify the Wildlife Center 707-575-1000 if you plan to move.  Depending on time of year, it may not be acceptable to move the box!   The siblings of Barn owls may come back and claim the protection of their box for their first mating season so it is best not to move the box at all.

Ø Contact the Wildlife Center if you find an injured or orphaned owl.  You may be advised to watch and see if it is branching, a natural activity for young owls.  Just because it is on the ground, it does not mean it is in trouble.  Owlets are generally able to climb back up the tree. Of course if you have dogs or cats, make sure they are kept inside.

Ø  If a tree absolutely needs cutting down, or trimming, and there have been owls using your box, contact the Wildlife Center for advice. You will usually be strongly advised to wait until late October to make any changes to the tree. 

Your box must be cleaned out each Autumn.  The regurgitated remains of their food makes a soft nest for the hatchlings, but after many months it will turn into a hard mass.  Open up the hinged door and remove it. No need to clean the inside any further than that.