How to Find an Owl's Nest

Have an enjoyable and fun adventure following the growth of an owl baby. Knowing where to look and what to look for can provide a fun and inexpensive activity for anyone.

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^{[1]XTrustworthy SourceNational Audubon SocietyNonprofit environmental organization focused on conservation, citizen science, and public science educationGo to source}
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Tree groves are good spots.^{[2]XResearch source}
You can hear these in daylight but they are easier to hear at night.^{[3]XTrustworthy SourceNational Audubon SocietyNonprofit environmental organization focused on conservation, citizen science, and public science educationGo to source}
^{[4]XResearch source}
When you spot excrement, move your eyes slowly up the tree looking for unusual trunk formations, broken branches or natural indentations in the trunk. Any of these might make a good owl nest.
Be patient. Create a way to remember which trees have already been studied.^{[5]XResearch source}
In the daytime, they will be sleeping close to their babies on nearby branches or in the nest itself if the babies are very young.
^{[6]XResearch source}

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Question
Am I allowed to look inside and touch the babies and then leave them alone?
Community Answer
You can look, but avoid touching the babies. Though it's a myth that parent birds will abandon the nest if they smell humans on the babies or eggs (birds actually have a very limited sense of smell), they may notice that the nest has been disturbed. To some bird species, this is a sign of a predator, and the parents may flee. In addition to this, your hands are a breeding-ground for bacteria and other such dangers to the baby birds. Look briefly, then leave the nest alone.
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Question
Do some owl nest in the ground?
Community Answer
Yes, some owls do. They are known as "burrowing owls" and are commonly found in Florida.
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What does an owl nest look like?
Annalise Fransen
Community Answer
The nesting habits of these birds vary considerably. Some nest in large tree nests or among rocks, while others are cavity nesters living in holes in trees. Barn owls can be attracted to man-made bird houses. Since the decline in this bird's natural habitat, farmers have begun using birdhouses placed on poles or the side of barns and other outbuildings to attract more of these beneficial birds. The type of nest you see will depend on the type of owl you're dealing with.
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Tips

Take binoculars to enhance your viewing and bring along a camera. It is fairly easy to get good photos of your trip into the natural world.
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Always remember not to disturb the owl environment. They richly deserve our respect and support.
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