My OperaWhy a Screech Owl House Might Be Right For Your Yard
Friday, November 12, 2010 9:27:43 PM
You might be suprised by how many night time birds go generally unseen, For instance, take the screech owl . They are prevalent over much of the U.S. In fact, research has shown that screech owls can thrive in small towns, suburbs, as well as city parks.
As homeowners and townships trim away dead trees and large limbs and fill in natural cavities, good screech-owl nesting locations can be difficult to find. Human-made nest boxes can make up the difference for any shortage of natural nesting cavities, allowing these petite owls to stay in places where they might otherwise be absent. This helps stabilize their populations.
There are 2 common species of screech owls, eastern and western, differing, obviously in voice. Neither actually screeches, except when agitated; most of their calls consist of mellow whistles and trills. Screech owls may spend their days sleeping in dense foliage or sitting next to tree trunks, but much more often they will be inside a cavity of some sort--a hollow limb, for instance, or a huge woodpecker hole--hidden away from the sharp eyes of small songbirds, which will fuss about in a most irritating way when they find an owl sitting on its day roost. While a good cavity can help the owl keep away from the annoying attentions of songbirds, it becomes essential during the nesting season.
When picking a screech owl house, keep in mind that to entice screech owls you must supply the proper sized nesting cavity and a 3 in entry hole.
As homeowners and townships trim away dead trees and large limbs and fill in natural cavities, good screech-owl nesting locations can be difficult to find. Human-made nest boxes can make up the difference for any shortage of natural nesting cavities, allowing these petite owls to stay in places where they might otherwise be absent. This helps stabilize their populations.
There are 2 common species of screech owls, eastern and western, differing, obviously in voice. Neither actually screeches, except when agitated; most of their calls consist of mellow whistles and trills. Screech owls may spend their days sleeping in dense foliage or sitting next to tree trunks, but much more often they will be inside a cavity of some sort--a hollow limb, for instance, or a huge woodpecker hole--hidden away from the sharp eyes of small songbirds, which will fuss about in a most irritating way when they find an owl sitting on its day roost. While a good cavity can help the owl keep away from the annoying attentions of songbirds, it becomes essential during the nesting season.
When picking a screech owl house, keep in mind that to entice screech owls you must supply the proper sized nesting cavity and a 3 in entry hole.
