How to Attract Owls

Owls are magnificent birds that are fun to watch and listen for. Many times on a moonlit night you may hear the hoot of an owl. However, if you’ve never had this opportunity, you may want to attract owls to your area. Not only are they great for bird watchers but they also feed on pests such as insects and rodents. You’ll be able to hear a hoot in no time by correctly attracting them.

• Call to them (quite literally). Owls, like other animals, have methods of communication. They usually call to one another at night with a particular call that is unique to their species. If you can learn to mimic their calls or use an owl call tape or CD, you may hear one call back to you. If you are really lucky, they may come a little closer where you can see them.


• Create an owl box for nesting. These can be purchased or you can build your own. Place about two to three inches of wood shavings, pine needles or leaves in the bottom of the box and then secure it eight to 15 feet above the ground in a tree. Make sure to monitor the box to prevent starlings from moving in—they are known to invade these boxes!


• Attract rodents (if that isn’t your motivation for wanting to attract owls) to provide owls with some meal opportunities around your location. Seed-bearing shrubs and lots of coverage for hiding provide rodents with meals and homes. If there is a steady food source, the owls will be more likely to visit or live nearby. Conversely, if you have a rodent problem, sit back and relax! A family of barn owls can consume over 3,000 rodents in one nesting season.