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Nature Done Wright
Incorporating the Celery Farm and Screech Owl Companion blogs
February 12, 2008
OWL: New arrival a few towns over
Rick, a friend of this blog and an Oakland (N.J.) resident, reports a new neighbor.
For those who have put up screech owl nesting boxes but who have yet to have tenants, Rick offers hope.
He says he has had the box up up for a few years, moved it a couple times, and "as of a month ago it had
a squirrel living in it and I had given up all hope of getting a new
tenant.
"Then I saw this beauty peeking out of it yesterday catching
some rays."
Rick says he hopes the owl stays, and so do I.
Only thoughts I would have is that next summer, after nesting season, might be a good time to make sure the roof of the box is watertight and to add a baffle to make it more difficult for house cats, raccoons, and other predators to climb up the tree.
Might also consider putting in a mini video-cam.
In the meantime, the box should be just fine.
For those of still waiting for a screech owl to move in, or to return, Rick’s news is most welcome.
Feel free to pass along any owl news you would like to share.
4 comments
-
Barn owls are awesome. I have to say I am a bit jealous.
Thanks for letting me know. -
Here in the SF Bay Area, now that the rain has stopped for awhile, Barn Owls have begun returning to their owl boxes and setting up housekeeping. Their return was delayed several weeks, most likely by all the rain.
-
Diana and Jeff,
Once the weather warms up at all, you’ll probably want to evict that squirrel, clean out any leaves it has brought in, and repeat as necessary. You’ll increase the chances of an owl moving in that way — or so I have been told by owl experts.
Good luck.
Jim -
Fantastic news, Rick!
We are over in Ramsey and had the screech owls in the box last summer. Right now a squirrel is in it and with the weather being so cold, I don’t have the heart to evict it. (Come spring – watch out squirrel!) We bought a cam, but have yet to install it. Congratulations on the owl!!!
-D
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4 comments
jim wright
Barn owls are awesome. I have to say I am a bit jealous.
Thanks for letting me know.
Maggie
Here in the SF Bay Area, now that the rain has stopped for awhile, Barn Owls have begun returning to their owl boxes and setting up housekeeping. Their return was delayed several weeks, most likely by all the rain.
jim wright
Diana and Jeff,
Once the weather warms up at all, you’ll probably want to evict that squirrel, clean out any leaves it has brought in, and repeat as necessary. You’ll increase the chances of an owl moving in that way — or so I have been told by owl experts.
Good luck.
Jim
Diana & Jeff
Fantastic news, Rick!
We are over in Ramsey and had the screech owls in the box last summer. Right now a squirrel is in it and with the weather being so cold, I don’t have the heart to evict it. (Come spring – watch out squirrel!) We bought a cam, but have yet to install it. Congratulations on the owl!!!
-D