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Screech Owl Nest Box

Name: Screech Owl Nest Box
SKU: SOB103
Price: 129.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$129.00

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Our Screech Owl Nest Box is constructed of rugged, long-lasting, rotomolded plastic, yet is so lightweight at 5.5 pounds that it can be carried in one hand for easy mounting. The bark brown color allows it to blend into the trees where these nest boxes are best installed. Features include rainproof wing-vents, an access panel for viewing nest contents and cleaning the nest box, drain holes in the floor, a large rain guard over the entrance hole, an interior mesh ladder to the entrance hole, and a unique bracket system that allows easy mounting to a tree. Measures 16″ tall x 9″ wide x 9″ deep.

SKU: SOB103 Category: Nest Box Tags: Attracting owls, Plastic screech owl nest box, Screech owl nest box

Screech Owls – The Owls of Backyards and Gardens

No sound of evening is as melodious as the soft, subdued song of the screech owl. Far from a screech, the sounds that emanate from the song box of this small owl are the gentlest, sweetest music of the owl world. It would seem that the misnomer must have originated when an observer heard the ungodly scream of a barn owl while looking at a “screech owl.” No matter how it occurred, no more inaccurate name of a bird exists in the literature.

The screech owl, represented by the eastern and western races, ranges throughout the United States, and is not only a common resident of woodlands, but also commonly makes its home in urban and suburban backyards and gardens. Here it is easily attracted to suitable nest boxes where it will raise as many as six young. The screech owl preys on mice, voles, and large insects such as moths and beetles. It has even been known to take crayfish.

Eastern screech owls come in two color phases; a gray phase and a red phase. Both color phases can occur in the same brood of chicks.

The first sign that you may have a screech owl living on your property may be the presence of white droppings on the ground and vegetation. These will be concentrated beneath the perch where the screech owl sits quietly during the day or hunts from at night. Normally there will be little sign of presence beneath the nest box. Instead, once screech owls occupy their owl house, they will tend to sit in the entrance hole for up to an hour before they leave to hunt, watching the world outside. This happens around sundown, while there is still plenty of light to observe them.

Another method of observing screech owls is to call them to a tape, or imitate their tremolo songs while holding a flashlight. Once you a screech owl call back, you want to wait and continue calling until the owl is quite close. Then you can turn on your flashlight. The screech owl will be on high alert, wanting to know if a rival screech owl has entered his territory. So, when calling these little owls from their owl houses and perches, be aware that you are possibly interrupting their seasonal activities. For this reason, do not call them to excess.

Where to Install Screech Owl Boxes

Screech owls actually have been shown to prefer the gardens and yards we create around our homes. Partly wooded areas with shrubs and open areas are their favorite habitat. Screech owl nest boxes should be erected approximately 10 feet off the ground on medium to large sized tree trunks, beneath the shade of foliage.

Habitat: Suburban backyards, areas with mixed trees and shrubs, woodlands.

Rugged construction of molded plastic
Weight of 5.5 pounds
16” high with a 9” x 9” floor
An interior mesh ladder beneath the entrance hole for birds to climb
A large rain guard above the entrance hole
Unique “vent wings” that allow air in but keep moisture out
A 6” x 8” access panel for checking on nests and cleaning
All the hardware needed for mounting
An alternative bracket system for mounting box to wooden post, tree, or outbuilding

Screech Owl Boxes

We have three of your screech owl boxes mounted on ten-foot metal posts widely spaced along a forested boundary between a creek and fields on our Western NC farm. The first box has been in place for about eight years with two more added later. The advantage of these over wood nest boxes soon becomes apparent. They last far longer, have no nails or screws to come apart, are light weight but very durable, and are easy to install and clean. Like other birds of prey, owls do not ascribe to the admonishment about not trashing their own nests. So, the ability to occasionally clean the insides and replace soiled bedding is necessary housekeeping. With a convenient side opening access panel, using a hose nozzle or pressure washer on gentle cycle cleans plastic surfaces fast and thoroughly, while avoiding a wood box's moisture saturation, mildew and rot considerations. Largely seamless construction also makes these boxes virtually weatherproof, with roof overhang and drain/ventilation holes keeping nesting material inside dry. The gray-brown colored boxes blend well with their surroundings, but may be further disguised by spray painting the outside in a camo pattern, although we've seen no evidence that the owls care about that. Simple sheet metal predator baffles have eliminated any pole-climbing threats. Most importantly, these boxes work. Ultimate testimony is that screech owls safely and securely nest in them and are observed using them for shelter throughout the year.

Screech Owl house

Got my Screech Owl nest box yesterday, and I was able to set it up, with the help of my friend, this afternoon ! It was somewhat challenging to put the owl house together, where you have to have to literally carve out holes, for the nylon screws to fit just right. I had to use an ice pick first, to poke holes in the thick plastic body of the owl house then, use a flat head screw driver, to gradually enlarge the diameter of the holes. Working from the interior of the owl house was a bit tricky, until we were finally able to turn the nylon head of the screw by hand. Next, the plastic ‘net’ ladder was installed. I was able to use my pre existing pole kit , which are composed of a 1 inch diameter telescoping steel pipe, and a plastic flange at one end. And it worked ! I also put a 4 inch layer, of non-treated wood shavings on the flooring of the nest box. I used the small metal bolts and nuts to secure the owl nesting box/house onto the flange. Now, I’m confidently waiting for a Screech owl, to notice his/her new nest box/ owl house. And here’s a picture of it.

Night Owl Hoot

I have it up waiting for the owls to build their nest in it.

Love it!

This is my 2nd owl box-the first one from Barn owl. My first one was wood and taken over by bees after a couple years of enjoyment. I’m really excited to try this bee resistant box. Thank you for a great product.

Screech Owl Box in Nevada

We received our box and pole kit in great condition. We haven’t had a chance to install it, but will soon. All aspects of our purchase and receipt of product were exceptional. Thank you for creating a product that allows even non-farmers like us support natural rodent control. We live on the edge of a small canyon with tons of rodents that continually come into our yard and attempt to come into the house and garage. Having our own owl on site will be a blessing of a deterrent versus any other type rodent control. Thank you!