Barred Owl - Visits Nest Box

On several occasions we have seen them visit the owlbox. This seems strange to us because the owlbox has only one function. That is nesting, and nesting happens in mid-January. So we try to understand this behavior. I think it is better to look to other birds for an explanation.
Hawks Do it!
The red shoulder hawks that share our yard with the owls have a related behavior. Most of their nests have been blown away by the hurricanes of recent years, but prior to that we had three or four nest sites within 150 feet of our house. The hawks would visit the sites on a daily basis. They would land on nest tree #1, make the loudest set of calls possible for about five minutes. They would then adjourn to the next nest site and repeat the process, until they had visited all the potential nests. Then they would fly off and get back to their business. I think what we are seeing with the owl is the equivalent behavior. But with all owl behavior it is always the 'owl way'.
We think it is the female, she lands on the perch. Last night she visited at 7pm and 5:30ish.
Both times she used a low distinctive hooting sound. I got it on video tape and will try and get it out on the web this week.
She hoots from the perch, then hops inside. Hoots some more, then returns to the perch. Couple more hoots, then she flies of into the night.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• barred
• owl
• nest

[paulyorke]

I put up a new box this week, hope to have another successful season in January. See OwlWatch.org

[xxdamonxx77]

Great video! Why is it hooting softly? I have seen other barred owl videos where the call was much louder.

[paulyorke]

This is a behavior I have seen many times. I call it the 'this is my nest spot hoot'. You are correct it is not very load. It may be part of a bonding ritual that the two owls do together. It is often a duet. Part of building a commitment to the long nesting ordeal.

[SpringtimeSkies129]

This was so amazing!

[witchweb20]

~Great video...BEAUTIFUL~************­**

[paulwyorke]

The camera is located on my screened in porch. It is a standard Sony consumer digital camera. I picked the model with the longest lens. I use a DVR to record the image 24/7 then delete all the non-activity.

[METALSTYGIAN]

look his little head is popping out

cute

what kind of camera equiptment do u have

how is it set up?

Great Vid!!

thanks

[owl51]

I plan on making a nest box for the Barred owls.We have a few Owls around.

[danofone]

Love the vid!! Wish they would come land in my owl box. What kind of camera set up did you use?