When we saw this photograph, we had to share it with you and all our readers to show how a new nest box can make a big difference this spring. And how lucky is the birder who got the thrill of the year to see a screech owl attending a newly installed big nest box, possibly already incubating a clutch of white eggs! How exciting it was just to see this new photograph, much less to know that the astute birder must be thrilled to have the chance to observe and benefit a family of owls – this year, and for years to come. Other years it may attract other pairs of screech owls, American Kestrels, or even Wood Ducks.
Photographed by Christine Bogdanowicz and featured in a new NestWatch promotion, we think this photo is a great incentive for all of us to consider adding a nest box one more time this spring. A small birdhouse for House Wrens or chickadees, a medium nest box for a bluebirds or Tree Swallows, or a big nest box for the likes of the illustrated Eastern Screech Owl! Realistically, we have provided you with all the information about how important it is to help cavity nesting birds large and small – birds that rely on a paucity of safe natural cavities – so it may take something as simple as seeing this most impressive new photograph to give you that last nudge toward being a nest box landlord.
Our most recent articles about nest boxes for cavity nesting birds were published in the February 18 issue of The Birding Wire (see Spring Nest Boxes - Birding Wire | Birding Wire), along with the February 25 issue (Big Nest Boxes for Ducks, Owls, & Kestrels - Birding Wire | Birding Wire), and the March 11 issue (Try an All-Seasons Combo Nest–Roost Box - Birding Wire | Birding Wire) – found in the Backyard Birding section, of course.
And for more information about nest boxes (birdhouses) and cavity nesting birds, also refer to NestWatch, starting with Features of a Good Birdhouse - NestWatch
Share your backyard birding experiences and photographs with The Birding Wire at editorstbw2@gmail.com