How to Attract Barn Owls to Your Property

Barn owls are fascinating creatures with unique characteristics and behaviors. If you are intrigued by these silent predators, you may want to learn how to attract them to your property. This article will guide you through the process, providing useful tips and insights to create a welcoming environment for these owls. Whether you are a nature lover or looking to control pests, this guide will help you establish a balanced ecosystem.

Understanding Barn Owls

Barn owls are one of the most widespread owl species, found throughout the world. Unlike many other owl species, barn owls do not produce the characteristic 'hoot hoot' sound; instead, they emit a shrill screeching call. If you have heard such sounds at night, it is likely that barn owls are already in the vicinity of your property. These nocturnal creatures primarily hunt for small rodents such as mice and voles. Providing them with a suitable habitat and a reliable food source can help in attracting them to your area.

Making Your Property Attractive to Barn Owls

Attracting barn owls to your property involves creating a safe and comfortable environment for them. One of the best ways to do this is by providing them with a suitable nesting box. These boxes should be designed specifically for barn owls and installed on a high enough pole to protect them from predators and harsh weather conditions. Here are some steps you can follow:

Install an Owl Box

Awns require a home to roost in, and a well-designed owl box can make a significant difference. Our experience with an owl box installation shows that it can take several years for a barn owl to take up residence. However, once a family establishes itself in a box, they are likely to return every year to raise their young. From our experience, a well-designed owl box can significantly enhance your chances of attracting these owls. Over the years, we have witnessed the amazing transformation as the adult owl teaches her chicks how to fly and hunt.

Make sure the owl box is placed in a location that is sheltered from strong winds and rain. Barn owl boxes should be positioned in areas where they can easily access the interior and make use of the entrance during various weather conditions. This will help ensure that the owls feel safe and secure within the box.

Create a Suitable Nook in Barns and Stables

If you own a barn or stable, consider installing nest boxes within the rafters. This can provide a natural and safe haven for barn owls. Having these boxes in place can create a great breeding ground for the owls, making your property a more attractive habitat for them. Barn owls often rely on old, unclosed cavities in buildings or tree hollows, so providing similar spaces can greatly appeal to them.

Place Owl Decoys

Owl decoys can also be effective in attracting real owls to your property. We placed an owl decoy in our garden to deter squirrels from our fruit trees, and although it initially scared away rodents, crows, and ravens, it piqued the interest of another owl who began courting our decoy. Despite the decoy owl not finding a mate, we noticed a significant reduction in damage to our garden. This experience suggests that owl decoys can be a viable option for attracting owls to your property.

Check with Audubon Society and Natural Resources

To ensure that barn owls are present in your area, it is a good idea to consult with local Audubon societies or your state’s Department of Natural Resources. These organizations can provide local data on bird populations and offer guidance on owl conservation efforts in your region. They may also be willing to assist you in finding suitable locations for owl boxes or offering advice on creating a suitable environment for these creatures.

Ensuring a Reliable Food Source

While providing a suitable nesting box is crucial, attracting barn owls also involves ensuring that they have a reliable food source. Barn owls primarily feed on small mammals like mice, voles, and even bats. Encouraging the presence of these creatures can make your property more attractive to barn owls. You can achieve this by maintaining a balanced ecosystem, which can include planting vegetation that supports insect populations or using humane pest control methods to manage rodent populations.

Conclusion

Attracting barn owls to your property is a combination of providing a safe habitat and ensuring a consistent food supply. By creating an environment that caters to their needs, you can successfully attract these fascinating birds. Whether you are looking to enhance the natural beauty of your property or control pest populations, the installation of an owl box and the provision of a suitable environment are key steps to achieving your goals.

Key Takeaway

To attract barn owls to your property, install a well-designed owl box in a secure and sheltered location, provide a reliable source of food, and consult local organizations for guidance and support. With the right setup, you may be able to witness the incredible behavior of these intelligent and beautiful creatures firsthand.