Date:         Tue, 29 Aug 2000 18:55:34 -0400
Reply-To:     Maryland Birds & Birding <MDOSPREY@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM>
Sender:       Maryland Birds & Birding <MDOSPREY@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM>
From:         Allan Haury <cactuswren@EROLS.COM>
Subject:      Re: RFI -Screech owl boxes
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Hi Gail,

I have had a pair of screech owls nest and raise a brood each year in a box
at my house for the last 6 or 7 years. The box is a wood duck design with a
3" high x 4" wide elliptical hole. I mount the box on top of a 12 foot long
1/2" pipe that is cleated to a pressure treated 6 foot long 4 x 4 that is
buried in the ground about 2.5 feet. The box is located in the open along a
tree line, maybe 12 feet from the nearest trees. I have a sheet metal baffle
just below the house to keep the squirrels and raccoons out of the box. The
baffle is like an upside down funnel but a flat plate would do. It diameter
of the funnel at the bottom is approx. 24". I put 3 or so inches of shredded
cedar chips in the bottom of the box. Most literature on the height of the
box says it should be 10 to 15 feet above the ground.

If you have any further questions, reach me at my address below.
Good luck,

Al Haury
cactuswren@erols.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Gail Mackiernan" <GAIL@UMDD.UMD.EDU>
To: <MDOSPREY@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM>
Sent: Monday, August 28, 2000 10:59 AM
Subject: [MDOSPREY] RFI -Screech owl boxes


> Hi all --
>
> Barry and I were thinking about getting a Screech owl box to encourage our
> little friends to move in. We did have one at our old house, but it was
> taken over by squirrels in short order, despite our constant removal of
> their nests.
>
> Any suggestions about siting an owl box to reduce this problem? What about
> hole size, is there a minimum that will accomodate the owl but not the
> squirrel (assuming the hole was bordered with chew-proof metal)?
>
> Advice would be appreciated...
>
> Cheers,
> Gail Mackiernan
> Silver Spring, MD
>
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