We live near a lagoon with a lot of birds, many migrating, also see hawks - think it's red shoulder, that sometimes land on telephone poles, but have never seen any owls. We live near the beach. A few years ago, I worked at an in-land hospital on the 3rd floor. It had recessed windows on the upper floors. A pair of barn owls raised 2 fledglings on the window sill. It was amazing that the little tykes didn't fall off the ledge, especially since the parents were gone frequently hunting for food. I was surprised to see them in such an environment - in the middle of a bustling city - and especially the place they chose to lay their clutch. Still trying to decide the best approach to keeping the damage down from the mole/vole diggers. I want to create a water-conserving front yard anyway, so the lawn isn't being watered - so perhaps that in itself may be a deterrant, however, in the back yard, my main concern is for my newly planted dwarf apple trees - they are doing so great, would hate to lose them now. Thanks for your thoughts. Bejay

Since barred owls use nest boxes, I imagine one could be put up on your tree with proper reinforcement to keep it in place, after nesting season. I know the boxes are larger than the E. Screech Owl box we put up in our tree and I agree if that nest is up high it's best to use a skilled tree person. Not far from me, there was a barred owl nesting in a snag and weather deteriorated it to the point the owls found another tree nearby. The original nest was along a walkway in a park. I haven't found the new nest, but I have seen the owls at dusk and hear them.

Three years ago I built a screech owl nest box and put it in a maple about 15 feet above the ground. After a starling nest and two years of squirrels, a family of red morph screech owls have moved in. The tree is at the edge of a wooded area facing south toward a 20 acre area of open organic farm, some wooded area and open field. The fledglings can often be seen peaking out of the hole. I live in eastern Long Island NY.

Nothing.....call the fish and wild life office nearest you....or if you know of a bird re hab station call them.