Owls use birdhouses, too
Backyard nest boxes offer birdwatchers the chance to see owls up-close. Birder's World magazine explains.
Published:
December 2, 2008
 An Eastern Screech-Owl peers from a branch in a backyard in Austin, Texas. Photographer Louie Toth said the owl was about 12 feet up in a tree. "He watched me walk up to him and didn't move an inch, other than to rotate his head. I fully expected him to swoop down and give me a lashing, but he just posed."
Photo by Louie Toth
Providing a nest box is one of the best ways to attract the nocturnal birds to your yard. And early winter -- right now -- is the perfect time to get started.
"Most owls seldom build their own nests," said Birder's World Editor Chuck Hagner. "Great Horned and Long-eared Owls prefer abandoned crow and hawk nests. But Barred, Barn, Northern Saw-whet, Boreal, and screech-owls all nest in tree cavities and birdhouses. And the houses are easy to make and fun to watch."
Birder's World magazine editors are available to comment on hosting owls. To request an interview, please contact Matt Quandt at 262.798.6484 or mquandt@kalmbach.com.
Both Eastern and Western Screech-Owls can be fairly common in suburban neighborhoods from coast to coast. The birds usually choose hollow tree limbs or old woodpecker holes as nest sites. When dead trees are removed from yards and woodlots, the owls look for alternative accommodations.
The birds will start hooting in January and February, signaling that their breeding season has begun. After they find mates, they'll begin laying eggs in late February.
Where to find owl birdhouse plans:
Washington Department of Fish and WildlifeMaryland Department of Natural Resources
More resources from Birder's World magazine:
Previous release: "Hummingbirds migrate when ready" (October 7, 2008)Bird identification toolkitBirdwatching basicsBirdersWorld.com pressroom
|