If you’re nestled in a spacious, semi-rural landscape or a leafy suburban haven, consider building an “Owl House”. Owls are naturals at pest control, keeping small rodents at bay from your garden, offering a natural solution to pesky invaders. They are also territorial, making them the optimal solution for scaring away less desired bird visitors like crows. Not only beneficial, having an owl around can be quite magical. Their haunting hoots in the depths of the night embody a certain beauty, bringing a sense of peace to your outdoor experience.
Location: A Key Ingredient In Building an Owl House
Although friendly neighbors to humans, owls aren’t great fans of noisy day-time activities. They prefer quieter, less disturbed places to nest. Somewhere that mirrors, to an extent, the peace of a natural woodland would be ideal. So scan your property for an area that doesn’t often engage in the hustle and bustle of daily life. If you’re trying to attract barn owls, consider a spot near your outbuildings, as these magnificent creatures do have a fondness for barn-like structures.
Best Material for Constructing an Owl House
Keeping things close to their natural environment is best practice when handling wildlife. Therefore, when constructing an Owl House, consider using a type of wood that’s found in your local area. The size of the house should accommodate the variety of owl you’re trying to attract, use a smaller sized house for little screech owls, while barn owls will require a bigger home.
Proper Placement of an Owl House
The premise is simple: mimicking a bird’s natural habitat in the wild will make your owl house more appealing. Therefore, the shelter should be:
- High up in a tree or tall structure
- Have easy flight pathways for the owl
- Never be positioned flat on the ground
Proper placement is essential for the owl, as it prevents them from feeling trapped and encourages them to recognize the house as a possible dwelling spot.
If done well, before you know it, the nighttime chorus of your garden could well be graced with the mystic hoot of your new feathery tenant.
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