When putting up a nesting box for barred owls, one of the most important considerations is which direction the entrance hole should face. Choosing the optimal direction can encourage barred owls to take up residence in the box and maximize their nesting success.
The Importance of Box Orientation
Barred owls are highly territorial birds that prefer to nest in tree cavities and abandoned woodpecker holes in mature forests. Providing an artificial nest box is a great way to attract a breeding pair, as suitable natural nest sites have declined due to forest fragmentation and competition with other cavity nesters.
Barred owls have very specific habitat requirements, so every aspect of the nest box setup should aim to mimic their ideal nesting tree. The entrance direction determines the amount of sunlight, rainfall, and wind that will enter the box, along with the approach angle for predators. Facing the entrance in the wrong direction could discourage owls from using the site or reduce the survival of eggs and young.
Sun Exposure
Barred owls prefer nesting sites with moderate sunlight. Facing the entrance south or west likely provides too much direct sun exposure, overheating the box interior. An east or southeast direction gets morning sun that can help dry the box after rain or dew but avoids afternoon high temperatures.
Limited sun may also deter competitors. Squirrels and raccoons that might otherwise use the box tend to prefer warmer, sunnier sites. Similarly, external-roosting wasps that occasionally take over nest boxes favor spots with more direct sunlight.
Rain and Wind Protection
The entrance should point downward slightly to prevent rain running into the box. Small drainage holes in the box floor will allow excess moisture to escape. An overhanging roof above the entrance can provide additional protection from precipitation.
Orienting the opening away from the prevailing wind direction will also keep the interior drier and prevent wind buffeting that could dislodge nestlings. Barred owl boxes are typically mounted on trees rather than poles, so surrounding vegetation will help block some of the wind and weather as well.
Defensive Positioning
Barred owls are ferociously defensive parents. Their nest sites have limited entries to allow adults to easily spot and drive off intruders. The box entrance should point toward nearby perches like branches or snags. This lets the adult owls watch the hole from a concealed spot just out of view.
Turning the opening toward a clear flyway also lets the birds approach or depart the nest quickly. Barred owls will be hesitant to use a box if the entrance is oriented in a way that leaves them and their young vulnerable.
Easy Access and Exit
While orientation is important for protection, the entrance can’t point directly at a tree trunk or other obstacle that would impede the owls’ direct flight path. Barred owls need enough clearance to swoop straight in and out of the nest. Having room to maneuver will also dissuade squirrels from approaching the opening.
Adult and Young Owl Considerations
The entrance size and height should make it easy for adult barred owls to get in and out. But it also needs to help keep wobbly fledglings inside the box until they’re ready to climb out on their own. An oval or round hole positioned about halfway up the box is ideal.
A rough interior floor surface provides good traction for featherless owlets, especially if there is a lip or barrier around the entrance to prevent them from accidentally tumbling out too early.
Recommended Cardinal Directions
Taking all these factors together, the consensus recommendation is to face barred owl nest boxes:
- East
- Southeast
- Northeast
Eastern exposures offer the right balance of sunlight, weather protection, defensive positioning, and access. Exact orientation can be tailored based on the site’s unique wind patterns, sunlight availability, nearby cover and perches, and observed barred owl behavior.
Entrance Direction Examples
Here are two examples of suitable barred owl box orientations based on site conditions:
Open Field Site
If the nest box is mounted on an isolated tree in an open field, choose an easterly direction to maximize sunny morning warmth and light while providing protection from prevailing west winds and late day sun exposure:
Site Conditions | Ideal Entrance Direction |
exposed to strong west winds | East |
no trees or branches obstruct entrance | East |
limited afternoon shade available | East |
Within Forest Site
If the nest box site is within a mature forest stand with branches extending near the box, select a southeasterly direction to balance morning sun, rain protection, and defensive visibility:
Site Conditions | Ideal Entrance Direction |
moderate east and south winds | Southeast |
trees provide afternoon shade | Southeast |
perches available southeast of box | Southeast |
Installing Multiple Boxes
When installing several barred owl nest boxes in an area, vary the opening direction between east, southeast, and northeast on different boxes. This provides choices to suit the owls’ preferences and wind patterns over your specific site.
For example, you might orient three boxes:
- Box 1: East
- Box 2: Southeast
- Box 3: Northeast
The variety will increase the chances that one of the boxes has conditions the barred owls find ideal. Make sure multiple boxes are spaced widely apart to reduce territorial conflicts between barred owl pairs. Installation facing directions can help minimize disputes by creating distinct microhabitats at each box.
Other Tips for Barred Owl Box Success
Entrance orientation is just one factor determining whether barred owls will use a nest box. Here are some other key installation considerations:
- Mount boxes at least 10-30 feet high on tree trunks within mature forest habitat.
- Use large boxes (at least 15 inches high x 12 inches deep) with rough interior surfaces.
- Line the bottom with several inches of wood chips or shavings.
- Add drainage holes but avoid openings large enough for predators.
- Have a 5-6 inch diameter circular or oval entrance hole about halfway up.
- Install protective metal panels around the entrance.
- Place boxes away from frequently used roads or trails.
- Mount the box firmly to the tree and check it annually.
Properly installing quality barred owl boxes in suitable habitat is key. But optimizing the entrance direction can help attract a mate pair, resulting in the successful fledging of young owls.
Conclusion
Barred owl nest boxes should generally face east, southeast, or northeast to provide the right balance of sunlight, temperature, wind protection, defensive positioning, and easy access. Consider your specific site’s conditions like prevailing winds and surrounding vegetation when choosing the final orientation. Facing the entrance properly will improve the chances of attracting nesting barred owls and increasing their reproductive success.