Barred Owl box

[go4carl]

Am I to late install a barred owl box? We have one hanging around our backyard (Plymouth) and the kids love to see it. From what I read they are starting to lay their eggs right now, so if I put up a box yet this week do you think I am to late?

[JayinMN]

I would say give it a try. You may have an adult or a juvenile in your area that will use it for roosting. If mememory is correct barred owls usually start breeding their third year and a lot of times boxes need to be up for a few years before they are used for nesting. Many times barred owl pairs will use the same nest over and over in their territory until its no longer appropriate for their needs. I put up three nest boxes last sping in the first week of April and with in a couple weeks I had a bird using one. I beleive "my" bird was a juvenile and was using it for roosting since it did not call alot. The only time I ever heard it was when I was in my garden it would come out and call hoot at me. A few weeks ago I heard a barred owl calling from the woods again so I think it has returned from where ever it was wintering. Here is a post I put up last year. It has the nest box plans I used and a few pictures.

http://www.hotspotoutdoors.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/2245245/1

[go4carl]

great info thanks.