HOO-ray! Three isn’t a crowd for this Western Screech owl (Megascops kennicottii) mom, found nesting in one of HAT owl boxes located on private property in the Highlands.

The Western Screech owl (WESO) in endangered in our region due to increased predation from Barred owls, deforestation, and increasing urbanization in our area. The WESO naturally nests in large three cavities of dead trees that were previously excavated by other creatures like the Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus).

HAT has been working in our region to recreate the habitat that the WESO needs artificially using owl boxes. Our program is almost completely run by our OWLsome volunteers and we are always looking for more support.

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO:

Things you can do to help:

1. Volunteer for our Owl Program

   • Cleaning, installing, and monitoring our boxes

   • Build more owl boxes

2. Put up an Owl Box on your property

   • First- Do you have the right habitat? WESO’s don’t particularly like urban environments, and tend to like older forests and especially those near ravines.

     • Site Assessment Form

   • Plans here:

     • Design

     • Assembly

3. Donate!

   • Make a donation to HAT
     

Things NOT TO DO:

1. Avoid building Barred owl nest boxes if you think you have the right kind of habitat. Barred owls will hunt smaller owls including our dear WESO.

2. Do not do your own WESO call-back survey, playing their call has shown to attract predators to the area you are calling in.

Learn more by reading our Owl Stewardship guide: