How to Install a Screech Owl Box

One of the most endangered species of owl is the Eastern screech owl. These birds have become scarce over the past years because of overdevelopment and humans entering forests. Creating a nesting box for these owls will provide them with a safe haven. You will need to provide wood chips that help attract the owls to the box to nest.

Things You'll Need

  • Box sketch
  • Scroll saw
  • 30-foot pine lumber
  • Tape measure
  • Table
  • Wood glue
  • Drill
  • Jigsaw
  • 1/2-inch drill bit
  • 1-inch wood screws
  • 2 eye hooks
  • 1-foot sturdy wire
  • Wood chips
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Instructions

    • 1

      Sketch a plan for the size and look of the box you wish to build. Make sure the box is large enough to fit plenty of wood chips for nesting and two or more screech owls. Though you may have only one owl enter the box at first, a family may call it home after it becomes comfortable with the surroundings.

    • 2

      Use a scroll saw to cut panels of wood from the 30-foot piece of pine lumber. Cut one piece of board to measure 22 inches by 23 inches. Additionally, cut four pieces 18 inches by 22 inches to use as the sides for the box. Cut the top for the box to measure 23 inches by 24 inches.

    • 3

      Place the pieces of wood on a table. Attach the back panel and two sides of the box together using wood glue. Cut out a 6-inch hole in the front side about 4 inches from the top of the board using a drill and jigsaw. Glue the front piece to the rest of the sides.

    • 4

      Use a 1/2-inch drill bit to drill about 12 small holes throughout the bottom of the box. These holes will serve as drainage holes if water happens to enter the box. Attach the bottom panel and top panel to the sides using the wood glue.

    • 5

      Secure all the sides together using 1-inch wood screws. Make sure there are no large cracks along the corners that may allow pests to enter. This will create a finished box that is ready to hang.

    • 6

      Screw an eye hook to the back of the top of the box. Attach the 1-foot wire to the eye hook. Screw the other eye hook into the tree or post and attach the other end of the wire to the hook. Gently tug on the wire to make sure the box and hooks are secure.

    • 7

      Place the wood chips in the box through the hole. This will help attract screech owls. Wait until the nest becomes occupied, which may take a few days. Keep an eye on the box, especially after storms involving high winds.