Build a Screech Owl Nesting Box with Merreyman Custom Woodcraft
Join us for a fun and easy class assembling nesting boxes that are suitable for Screech Owls. You will be assembling pre-cut pieces 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). You can also choose to customize your box by branding it with our letter set!
You’re likely to spot this small, nocturnal hunter in dense woodlands, urban parks, or even backyards with mature trees. With a mottled brown and gray plumage, it blends seamlessly into its surroundings, making it a challenge to spot. As an apex predator, the Eastern Screech-Owl plays a vital role in Maryland’s ecosystem. Its diet consists mainly of insects, spiders, and small vertebrates like mice and birds. This owl’s presence helps regulate pest populations, contributing to a balanced environment. Eastern birds utter a mournful tremulous, descending trilling call, described as a whinny. Western birds emit a series of short whistles described as a bouncing ball call. Both birds “bark” when alarmed.
Eastern Screech-Owls begin nesting in February in southern states but may wait until July in far northern habitats. Provide birdbaths for drinking and bathing and nest boxes for seasonal nesting, as well as for roosting and storing prey year-round. Western Screech-Owls use nest boxes less readily than their eastern counterparts.
Nesting habits: Males bring food to females at potential nest sites. Once chosen, the male guards and defends the area surrounding the nest site.
Eggs: Four to five white or cream-colored eggs.
Egg-laying: he first few eggs are often laid two days apart, then one per day.
Incubation: 26 days. Female incubates; both parents feed young.
Days to fledge: 28 days after hatching.
Place about 3-4” of wood chips or dry leaves at the base of your nesting box and it’s read y to install! Place in shaded areas in sparse woods, streamside forests, farmland, suburban backyards, and city parks. Avoid facing the nest box north. Face the entry hole east or south where possible, as the birds like to sit in the entranceway (even during the day) to soak up sunlight. Nesting boxes need to be AT LEAST 10 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. (Note that this box is also suitable for American Kestrels- but we do not see them as much around here).