Hi,
I have been keeping extensive notes for over 2 decades on Eastern Screech
Owls using my wildlife boxes. In answer to the recent posts with questions
about these wonderful birds (I can hardly get anything else done when they are
around!):
(1) These owls will indeed share a box, but usually only when it is quite
cold out. At this time of year, you are probably only seeing one owl that is
using the box on that particular day. It may return daily or it may not.
(2) Red and gray owls will mate and thus would share a box at that time.
If you place another box close by, the male may use that instead of staying in
the box with the female and eggs. This is especially true if the pair has
mated later in the season when it could get quite hot inside a box.
(3) It's quite typical for squirrels and screech owls to "share" a box over
time. That's why you don't need to feel that you have to evict the
squirrels. When an owl wants to use a box, it is quite capable of doing so.
Sincerely,
Marlene
Marlene A. Condon (Author, The Nature-Friendly Garden, Stackpole Books,
2006)
Nature Writer/Photographer/Speaker
Crozet, VA 22932-2204
E-mail: MARLENECONDON@xxxxxxx
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