Monitor your boxes closely for any non-target bird activity and actively deter starlings from entering your area for the best chance at attracting owls. These aggressive birds have even been known to destroy eggs and nests and kill nestlings or adults to take over a nesting box ( 3). If they find them, starlings will start to fill the box up with grass and straw material to start building their own nest and will quickly try and take over. Owls don’t build nests inside the box, so it’s best to scatter 2 to 3 inches of untreated wood shavings, dried pine needles, or leaves inside. If this isn’t possible, closely monitor your boxes for any signs of use. The best way to do this is to place your box in a wooded, and not open, area ( 2). Snuff out a starling problem before it even starts by monitoring your box for any signs of this invasive species. Snuff out a starling problemĮuropean starlings have been known to take over screech owl boxes before the owls even have a chance to move in. You can find many options available in stores or online or build your own. Ideally, bird baths for owls should be made of a durable material such as metal, and offer a sloping edge so owls can ease in. Deep basins (2 inches minimum) offer a generous gulp, or act as a bathtub for cleaning and cooling off. To encourage owls to bathe in your yard, install a large, deep basined bird bath in a secluded area that will be safe from interference. Given their size, it’s unlikely owls will swoop in on a small shallow bird bath. Owls get the vast majority of their fluid needs from their diet, so they aren’t big water drinkers.īut during the summer or in hotter climates, they may visit slightly larger, deeper birdbaths to drink or bathe. Add a large bird bathĪlthough they may not be frequent visitors to bird baths, like other birds, owls also need water for drinking and bathing. And last but not least, make sure nothing is blocking the flight path into the box, like a nearby building or branches, to give your owls easier access. An entrance hole diameter of at least 2 inches, a depth of about 23 inches, and a roof height of at least 12 inches will work for most cavity-nesting owls.Īffix houses to a tall tree or pole at least 10-15 feet off the ground to provide a safe space away from predators for the owls to make their home. The type of house you buy or build will depend largely on the owls in your area. Make sure they are installed with enough stability to offer protection for the owls from both wind and predators, as even subtle movements can affect whether they will be used or not. Houses should be placed in a sheltered spot facing away from prevailing winds, and preferably south-facing to keep them warm. Owls will only visit areas they feel safe, so the positioning and placement of your box need to be in an area that will be favorable for them. The location of the owl house is the keyĪs with all things real estate, when it comes to owl houses, the location is the key. Owls nest much earlier than other species, so boxes should be put up by January or February to give the owls plenty of time to find their new home.Īlso read: How smart are owls? (The answer is surprising) 2. Positioning them at least 10-20 feet above the ground, and away from perches for predators is best. These wooden boxes usually have an overhang to prevent rain from going in, and a metal guard around the hole to prevent predators from chewing it to make it larger. Nesting boxes are usually made of wood and come in a variety of sizes from large to small. The size and location of the box can vary based on what type of owl you are trying to attract.įor instance, screech owls have been known to use nesting boxes with an entrance hole of at least 3 inches in diameter, while the northern saw-whet owl favors a 2-inch entrance hole ( 1). A nesting box is an enclosure provided for birds to nest in. While they usually use tree cavities or natural hollows, you can purchase or build nesting boxes to provide them with a secure location to set up home. One way to ensure the owls come is to give them space to not only rest but to nest and raise young. Many owls use cavities or dying trees to nest in, but you can also install a nesting box to provide safe shelter for the owls you are trying to attract. How to attract owls to your property can be tricky at first, but with the use of these tips, and a little perseverance, you can attract these elusive visitors to your backyard. Skilled and silent hunters, they prey on rodents, insects, and other pests in your garden, making them an important member of backyard ecosystems. Owls can be a highly desirable guest to your yard and are fascinating to both hear and observe. Often heard but not seen, owls are not common backyard birds and these mostly nocturnal birds are definitely not feeder visitors.
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