Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Install Screech Owl Nest Boxes

Eastern screech owls are small, adaptable birds of prey that rely heavily on cavities for both roosting and nesting. As the fall season arrives and temperatures begin to drop, these owls start seeking out safe, insulated spaces to roost. During the colder months, a well-positioned roosting cavity provides them with protection from predators and the elements. Natural cavities in trees are often in short supply, making artificial nesting boxes a perfect alternative. By installing an owl box in your backyard during the fall, you increase the chances of attracting these fascinating owls to roost during the winter and potentially nest in the spring.

Roosting in cavities during the fall helps screech owls conserve body heat and maintain their energy levels, which is crucial for surviving the winter. A cozy, sheltered box offers them the ideal retreat for resting during the day while they hunt for small mammals and insects at night. By establishing a roost site early, the owl becomes familiar with the area, increasing the likelihood that they’ll return to the same location when it’s time to nest in the spring. This is why fall is the best time to put up an owl box—you’re giving them a head start in scouting out their future home.

Eastern Screech Owl in PixCams Nest Box

To attract screech owls to your backyard, start by choosing the right location for your owl box. Screech owls prefer quiet, wooded areas, so try to place the box at the edge of a forest, near a tree line, or where there are plenty of trees for cover. The box should be installed about 10 to 15 feet off the ground to protect the owls from predators like raccoons. Make sure the entrance hole is about 3 inches in diameter, just the right size for a screech owl but small enough to deter larger animals. Keep in mind that the box should face away from prevailing winds, ideally facing east or southeast to capture the morning sun’s warmth.

Once your owl box is up, be patient and avoid checking inside the box too often, as this could disturb the owls. With some luck, screech owls may start using the box as a winter roost, and come spring, you might witness a pair nesting and raising their young. By providing a safe and cozy space, you’re giving these secretive, nocturnal birds a better chance at thriving in your area, all while enjoying the unique experience of observing them up close.

6 Tips for Installing a Screech Owl Box in your Backyard

Here are some helpful tips for installing a screech owl box in your backyard:

1. Choose the Right Location

Quiet and Wooded Areas: Screech owls prefer areas with dense tree cover, so place the box near a tree line, in a wooded section of your yard, or along the edge of a forest. Avoid high-traffic areas where human activity may disturb them.
Height Matters: Install the box about 10 to 15 feet off the ground. This height helps protect the owls from ground predators like raccoons or feral cats.
Face the Box Away from Prevailing Winds: The box should ideally face east or southeast. This orientation allows the owls to catch the morning sun for warmth while avoiding strong winds.

2. Ensure Proper Box Design

Box Dimensions: The entrance hole should be about 3 inches in diameter to allow screech owls in but keep larger animals out.
Add a Slanted Roof: A sloped roof prevents rain from seeping into the box, keeping it dry for the owls.
Drainage and Ventilation: Make sure the box has small drainage holes at the bottom and ventilation holes at the top to ensure proper airflow and avoid moisture buildup inside the box.

3. Install in Late Fall or Early Winter

Screech owls begin looking for roosting spots in the fall, so installing the box by late fall gives them plenty of time to scout the area before the winter season. They may also use it for nesting in the spring if they establish themselves early.

4. Avoid Direct Human Interaction

Once installed, avoid regularly checking inside the box, as it could disturb the owls. Screech owls are quite secretive and prefer minimal disturbance. Just enjoy watching them from a distance if they take up residence.

5. Clear Surrounding Area for Easy Access

Trim any branches or shrubs that are directly in front of the box’s entrance. This will give the owls a clear flight path to enter and exit the box with ease.

6. Provide Food Sources

Screech owls hunt for small mammals, insects, and birds, so having natural hunting grounds like open grassy areas, gardens, or fields nearby will make your backyard more attractive to them.

By following these tips, you’ll increase the chances of attracting screech owls to your backyard and providing them with a safe and comfortable home.

7 Tips for Building a Screech Owl Box

Here are some tips for building a screech owl nesting box:

1. Select the Right Materials

Use Untreated Wood: Screech owls prefer natural materials, so use untreated cedar or pine, which are durable and weather-resistant. Avoid using pressure-treated wood, as the chemicals can be harmful to wildlife.
Solid Construction: Make sure the wood is thick enough (at least ¾ inch) to provide good insulation during cold weather and protect the owls from predators.

2. Box Dimensions

Size of the Box: The interior dimensions should be around 8 x 8 inches at the base and 12 to 15 inches tall. This gives the owls enough space to nest but keeps the box cozy.
Entrance Hole Size: The entrance hole should be about 3 inches in diameter to allow screech owls to enter while preventing larger animals like raccoons from getting inside.

3. Design for Drainage and Ventilation

Drainage Holes: Drill a few small holes in the bottom of the box to allow rainwater to escape, keeping the inside dry and comfortable for the owls.
Ventilation: Add small ventilation holes near the top of the box, just below the roofline, to ensure air circulation and prevent overheating, especially during warmer weather.

4. Add a Sloped Roof

Slanted Roof: Build a slightly sloped roof to allow rainwater to run off and avoid moisture seeping into the box. Extending the roof a couple of inches beyond the front of the box will also provide extra shelter from rain.

5. Include a Rough Interior

Climbing Surface: Leave the inside of the box rough or add grooves to the interior front wall so that fledgling owls can easily climb up to the entrance when it’s time to leave the nest.

6. Add a Hinged Side or Roof

Easy Access for Cleaning: Make one side or the roof of the box hinged so you can easily open it for annual cleaning or maintenance. Owls prefer a clean nesting environment, so it’s important to remove old nesting materials after the breeding season.

7. Install a Predator Guard

Metal Guard Around the Entrance: Consider attaching a small metal plate around the entrance hole to prevent squirrels or other animals from enlarging the hole and invading the box.

Screech Owl Nest Box Plans

By following these tips, you’ll be able to build a sturdy, functional screech owl nesting box that will provide a safe home for these owls to roost and raise their young.

Don’t Have Time to Make a Nest Box? See our Recommended Products

If you’re eager to attract wildlife like screech owls or songbirds to your backyard but don’t have the time or tools to build a nest box from scratch, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with a selection of high-quality, ready-made nest boxes that are perfect for various species. Whether you’re looking for a screech owl box or a birdhouse for smaller birds, our recommended products are designed for durability, functionality, and ease of installation. Let us help you turn your backyard into a wildlife haven—without the hassle of DIY construction.

Woodlink Screech/Kestrel Box

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Gamekeeper Owl Box

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Attract Screech Owls This Fall: Set Up Your Owl Box and Watch Live on PixCams

As fall settles in, now is the perfect time to put up screech owl boxes in your backyard. By installing a box in the cooler months, you give these adaptable little owls a chance to find a safe roosting spot for the winter and potentially claim it for nesting when spring arrives. Screech owls are resourceful hunters, and offering them a secure place to rest not only benefits them, but also brings a unique wildlife experience right to your own backyard. Whether you’re drawn to their mysterious nighttime calls or want to help conserve a key species, putting up an owl box is a simple yet impactful way to connect with nature.

Once your box is in place, the anticipation of seeing it occupied begins! Keep in mind that owls are secretive creatures, so they might take their time finding and settling into their new home. For those eager to see screech owls in action, PixCams has you covered. Our live streaming cameras are set up to give you an up-close view of owl boxes in real time. You can tune in daily to observe the habits of screech owls as they roost, hunt, and eventually raise their young in the spring.

LIVE Screech Owl Nest Box Camera at PixCams!

Watch our 9 LIVE Streaming Screech Owl Nest Box Cameras

https://pixcams.com/screech-owls/

By following along with our live streams, you can learn more about the fascinating world of screech owls, and who knows, you might even pick up a few tips for attracting these captivating birds to your own yard. Be sure to check in with PixCams regularly for updates and exciting wildlife moments unfolding in our owl boxes. Whether you’re watching from home or setting up your own owl habitat, you’ll be part of a shared effort to support these incredible birds and enjoy the wonders of nature right in your backyard.