The first year we put up our owl box, an eastern screech owl mama laid eggs and raised at least two owlets. That was spring 2009. Sadly, we haven't had kiddos since. Yesterday, we did a nest box check, and James took a photo (above). Then I emailed Cliff Shackelford, who built our cool Owl Shack. Should we clean out the box? Should we move it?
"There's no other cavity user besides screech owl that lines the
nest/roost with feathers from its prey," he wrote back. "Looks like yours ate cardinal and dove. Yes, leave everything as it is. Owls like it messy, and a feather lining already installed
helps. If you think you have cavity competitors, additional boxes might
help. Give all the critters free government housing! (To deter snakes) ugly metal flashing around the base of the tree can work, but you gotta
adjust it as the tree grows. Rat snakes are statewide, and have been here
for millenia. What can you do?"
Well, we'll just hope for a successful season. That's all we CAN do! Thanks, Cliff! :-)
Well, we'll just hope for a successful season. That's all we CAN do! Thanks, Cliff! :-)