Where To Site Owl Nest Boxes
Each species has slightly different nest site requirements and so this should be taken into consideration when installing a wooden nest box.
Tawny owl box: Installed in a woodland or copse, approximately 8 – 12ft off the ground, with a flight path into the box, preferably facing NE – SE, away from the prevailing weather. Tawny owl chicks leave the nest site before they are fully developed, so the box should be installed in a large tree that has branches around or above it where branching chicks can exit and clamber higher up into the tree canopy, where they will stay and continue with their development.
Barn owl box: Installed in a single tree in a field, a large tree in the woodland edge or hedgerow, on the side of a farm building or inside a farm building or barn (two means of entrance/exit for the owls is recommended). On external boxes, box hole should be visible to attract passing owls and box should be installed facing NE – SE, away from the prevailing weather. Additional perches can be added around the box to give growing chicks additional roosting areas.
Little owl box: Installed in a tree within hedgerow, either in the crown of the tree or on the trunk, in a solitary tree in a field. Boxes can also be installed on the side of a farm building or inside barns, cow sheds etc. Locate 6 – 10ft off the ground and install box facing NE – SE and in a position where there are branches nearby for emerging chicks to reach. Additional perches can be added if installing in a building if beams are not close to the box.
Other considerations when installing nest boxes for owls.
• Boxes should not be installed close to busy roads, and in the case of barn owls, not within 1km of any major roads.
• When choosing site of box, and installation height, consideration should be given to the risk of interference if boxes are being installed in areas accessible to the public.
• All Wildlife World nest boxes come fitted with a camera clip enabling the easy installation of an optional infra-red camera for monitoring purposes. This can be of particular value with boxes for barn owls, that cannot be physically disturbed without the appropriate licence.
• Owl boxes put up for one species may attract another species of owl, or indeed a kestrel. Other birds, such as the threatened stock dove may also make an owl box it’s home, as well as grey squirrels.
