When are Screech Owls not home? (2 Viewers)

[MrCloud9guy]

After having a nesting box mounted in a tree for two years, Eastern Screech Owls finally moved in! This is now season two for the owls and they are back. I'm sitting out on the deck listening to them now as I type. The problem is that the support that kept the box level fell sometime during the winter. The owls moved in anyway lol. My question is what would be the best time to reinstall the support, as I don't want to disturb a sleeping owl. Are they in/using the box year round or is there a time of year when they're gone?

 

[delia todd]

Hi MrCloudGuy and a warm welcome to you from all the Staff and Moderators. Sorry, I can't really answer your question, but as you said "they are back" I presume you haven't seen them through the winter? Do you hear them calling in the winter time at all?

If they are around in the winter-time they may use the box for roosting in during the day, so if that is the case, the best time to work on the box would be as soon as they've left it in the evening.

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I look forward to hearing your news.

 

[Kits]

Welcome to Birdforum. I hope you enjoy your visits.

 

[1Rsfellow]

Would adding a small carved owl to the exterior top of the box intended to attract Screech Owls actually have the opposite effect?

 

[Bagrica]

Hey! Great question! Screech owls are pretty active at night, but they’re not always around during the day. They’re mostly nocturnal, meaning they sleep and rest during the daylight hours and come out to hunt when it’s dark. So, you won’t see them much in the daytime unless it’s a really overcast day or if they’re trying to take a nap in a quiet, hidden spot.

In terms of seasons, screech owls are generally pretty stable in their habitat year-round, but they might be a bit more absent if they’re in the middle of breeding season. During this time (which usually falls in early spring), they’ll be a bit more focused on nesting, so you might not spot them as often. In the winter, they’re still around but might be more active in the evenings and early mornings when it’s colder.

Also, they don’t migrate, so if they have a safe spot to roost, they’ll stick around. If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of them, you’re most likely to see them at twilight or after dark. That’s when they’re hunting for food and just being their usual secretive selves!