Build a Barred Owl Nesting Box with Merreyman Custom Woodcraft

Join us for a fun and easy class assembling nesting boxes that are suitable for barred owls. You will be assembling pre-cut pieces of pine that make up your nesting box as well as drilling the entry hole. You may build a box as an individual or as a partner project (note partners only make 1 box).

The Barred Owl can be recognized by the “barred” feather pattern running horizontally across its chest and down its belly. Barred Owls have a very distinctive call that sounds like “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?” Barred Owls can be found throughout Maryland at any time of the year.

Barred owls are monogamous and mate for life, raising one brood each year. Breeding season runs from December through March. To attract a mate, males “display” by swaying back and forth, raising their wings and sliding along a branch. Calls are important during the barred owl mating ritual, as the bird performs various gurgles, cackles, hoots and caws.

Females lay a clutch of two to three pure white, rough-surfaced eggs. Incubation lasts for 28 to 33 days. During incubation and after the chicks hatch, the male will hunt for and feed his mate and offspring. Young become sexually mature at two years of age and can live up to 32 years.

Place about 3-4” of pine shavings at the base of your nesting box and it’s ready to install! Nesting boxes need to be AT LEAST 15 feet above the ground. We recommend using a pulley system or cable wire instead of nails since they are less damaging to the trees. We will give each participant recommendations for installing your box as well as a reference for someone who you can hire to install your box for you! Your nesting box may not become occupied in the first year of hanging- but it could happen! We recommend installing it before the end of January.