seldom seen, but more common than formerly
believed. Northern Saw-whet Owl (Plan 14)
The tiny northern saw-whet owl is our smallest owl - barely as large as a robin. It
does not have ear tufts like the screech owl. It is seldom seen, but more common than formerly
believed.
This owl is the logo of Pennsylvania's "Wild Resource Conservation Fund."
Preferred habitat includes either coniferous or deciduous forests, mixed stands of conifers and hardwoods, woodlots and swamps. During breeding season, this species is found in boreal wooded bogs that have stands of evergreens like hemlock and spruce. Saw-whet owls will use the same type of nest box as northern screech owls.
Saw-whet owl nests are usually quite high, 14 or more feet off the ground. Nest boxes should be placed in live, mature conifers. Areas near water may be preferred. As with screech owl nests, 2 to 3 inches of wood chips should cover the bottom of the box.
Northern and Southern Flying Squirrel (Plan 14)
The sprightly flying squirrel is nocturnal and is seldom seen even where it is a common
resident. They may co
me
out at night to feed in backyard bird feeders. Flying squirrels are found in a wide
variety of habitats ranging from northern coniferous forests to groves and woodlots. It is
probably not necessary to put out nest boxes specifically for flying squirrels because
they readily use boxes that are put out for other species, including wood duck and screech
owl boxes. The screech owl box in (Plan 14) is an especially good size for flying
squirrels.
In Pennsylvania, screech owls are small gray or reddish owls with ear tufts that are found along forested ridges, in farm woodlots, in orchards and in wooded stream corridors. They are only about 8 inches high and resemble a miniature version of the more common great horned owl. The nest box for this owl shown in (Plan 14) should be placed at least 10 feet high in a hardwood forest. Preferred habitat seems to be on the edge of woods adjacent to fields or wetlands.
Research in Louisiana suggests that "The ideal screech owl cavity would be a box located under a limb in a living tree with . . .[vines], and with the box entrance facing north." Perhaps all owls prefer darker cavities.
To prevent use by squirrels the box could be placed on a pole with a predator guard. Since the entrance hole is 3 inches in diameter, persistent starling control may be necessary. About 2 to 3 inches of wood chips should be placed in the bottom of the box.