Screech-owl Boxes
To support our resident birds of prey, we maintain a specialized network of 18 Eastern Screech-owl (Megascops asio) boxes strategically positioned along the marsh’s forest edges and woodlots. These elusive owls are "obligate cavity nesters," meaning they rely on existing hollows to raise their young. In younger forests where old-growth hollows are scarce, our boxes provide a critical substitute. This infrastructure ensures this apex predators have a secure environment to roost and nest, helping to maintain a natural biological balance by managing rodent and insect populations throughout the property.
Words on the Wise
Going "Owl" out for Screech's
Our stewardship extends into the forest canopy each winter, where we perform annual inspections and vital data collection at each nesting site. We navigate the winter woods to clear out old debris and replenish the boxes with fresh wood shavings, providing a dry, insulated refuge for the cold months ahead. By carefully examining remaining feathers, pellets, and eggshell fragments, we act as citizen scientists to gain valuable insights into the diet and nesting success of our local owls. This data helps us identify which tree species and mounting heights the owls prefer for the highest success, allowing us to adaptively manage the program by moving boxes to better align with their preferred hunting corridors.
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​By integrating these boxes into the landscape, we bridge the gap between the marsh and the forest, ensuring that even without old-growth timber, the Eastern Screech-Owl remains a permanent guardian of the Hullett woodlots.