How to Give Water to a Screech Owl

Screech owls will nest in trees or nest boxes.

Eastern screech owls are small “eared” owls that often inhabit both towns and suburbs. These attractive little owls roost in tree cavities and man-made nest boxes, preferably at a height of 15 to 20 feet above the ground. They feed on a variety of prey, including rats, shrews, bats, insects, pigeons and small reptiles. Screech owls are tolerant of people. They will regularly visit any container of water that the homeowner places out for them.

Things You'll Need

• Garden, without other pets during the hours of darkness
• Shallow fiber-and-resin or cement dish

Instructions

1. Ensure that your dogs and cats are locked indoors at night if you want to encourage screech owls to come down and drink. Owls are vulnerable on the ground and will be wary of animals in the vicinity.

2. Observe the screech owls that visit your garden. This species of owl typically becomes a permanent resident in suburban and urban gardens. Screech owls use nest boxes, including those put up for other birds. Once these owls are visiting your garden on a regular basis, they will feel secure enough to come to the ground for water.

3. Trap rodents on your property, as their presence will attract screech owls and encourage them to stay. Screech owls will also bath at night in larger water containers.

4. Place a fiber-and-resin or similar shallow container in an open area on your lawn, near the trees that are used by the owls.

5. Place the water container between five and 10 feet away from any shrubs, as the owls will be wary of vegetation where predators can hide.

6. The water container must be fairly heavy, to prevent the screech owls from tipping it over if they perch on the rim.

7. Do not fill the water container more than three inches and make sure that it has a rough bottom, to prevent the owls from slipping.

8. Scrub the water container on a regular basis to remove any encrusting algae and refill with fresh water.

References

• Wvu: Night Birds
• Birdwatching: Bath Attractions

Resources

• All About Birds: Eastern Screech-Owl