Great Horned Owl FAQs
Will Great Horned Owls nest in my owl box?
No. Great Horned Owls prefer open platforms for nesting. Barn owls, on the other hand, will use owl boxes if you live in or near open meadows or vineyards.
Do I need to maintain my Great Horned Owl platform?
Typically not. Owl platforms are high (around 25 feet or more), and Great Horned Owls often move from one nest or platform to another. Cleaning them can be difficult. Owl boxes for barn owls, on the other hand, should be cleaned annually in the fall after all fledglings have left.
Can I put an owl cam in my platform?
Yes — if it’s a solar-powered camera with Wi-Fi and your home’s Wi-Fi reaches the owl platform. Install it on the tree trunk slightly above the platform.
Do Great Horned Owls build their own nests?
No — they use existing structures such as abandoned nests from hawks, crows, or herons, or natural sites like tree cavities or ledges, and they readily use artificial platforms.
How high should owl platforms be?
A height between 30 and 45 feet is ideal, though higher is better if possible
Should my owl platform have moss and twigs?
It’s not necessary. While it may be inviting for nesting owls, they will add nesting material if needed. Owl nests are typically messy.
I need a owl box for barn owls. Where can I get one?
Rob Officer in Carmel Valley can build and install one for you. More details on his Facebook post. The Humane Wildlife Control also has some great owl box plans with designs that ensure there's enough room for fledglings.
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Where can I download royalty free Great Horned Owl photos?
Fred Brisard Photography has a wonderful collection of Great Horned Owl photos. Please check his website out.
Contact Rob Officer in Carmel Valley for building and installation. More details on his Facebook post. The Humane Wildlife Control also has some great owl box plans with designs that ensure there's enough room for fledglings.
Fred Brisard Photography has a wonderful collection of Great Horned Owl photos. Please check his website out.
How can I sex a Great Horned Owl?
Sexing a Great Horned Owls requires observing behavioral cues or subtle physical differences, as they are not easily distinguished at a glance. Females are 10–20% larger, bulkier, and heavier than males, with a broader body. The most reliable method is listening to their duets: males have a lower, deeper voice, while females have a higher-pitched, more rapid hoot.
