Squirrel Nests in Screech Owl Nest Box

Squirrel nest completely filling up a Screech Owl Nest Box

The same Screech Owl Nest Box Ready for Breeding Season 2013

Squirrels have now delivered their litters and are nursing in nests in the oak trees around our area. This year we kept them out of the Screech Owl nest box which is now sitting ready for, hopefully, the same couple as last year to claim it in the next few months. Squirrels basically cram a large amount of small twigs and branches with leaves into the owl box and then keep their babies at the bottom - this makes it very difficult for any predators to snatch their little ones. The parents just dig down and out of the bottom of the nest box when they come and go. 

Obviously the squirrel nest precludes use by the Screech Owls - if one were inclined you could leave a nest box out for the squirrels to enjoy year-after-year - however it would be impossible to watch the little ones be delivered, grow and develop as the nest material blocks the camera view. Screech Owl season is nearing!