How to Find an Owl's Nest

Last Updated: July 24, 2020

Have an enjoyable and fun adventure following the growth of an owl baby. Knowing where to look and what to look for can provide a fun and inexpensive activity for anyone.

Steps

1
Use the internet or a good birding book to find out what kinds of owls live in your area.^{[1]
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2
Use a map of your area to find potential habitats.

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3
Choose a nearby habitat to explore being careful not to trespass. Tree groves are good spots.^{[2]
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4
You can start your search at night or in the daytime.
5
Walk into the grove listening carefully for any hoot-hoot-hoot-hoot sounds. You can hear these in daylight but they are easier to hear at night.^{[3]
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National Audubon Society
Nonprofit environmental organization focused on conservation, citizen science, and public science education
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6
Choose a tree and check the bottom of the trunk all the way around for signs of owl pellets or white owl excrement.^{[4]
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7
When you spot excrement, move your eyes slowly up the tree looking for unusual trunk formations, broken branches or natural indentations in the trunk. Any of these might make a good owl nest.
8
Continue searching around and up the tree trunks for signs of owl nests. Be patient. Create a way to remember which trees have already been studied.^{[5]
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9
If you're lucky and find a nest, chances are you'll see your new owl friend or friends in it.
10
You might see one or both of the owl parents nearby. In the daytime, they will be sleeping close to their babies on nearby branches or in the nest itself if the babies are very young.
11
Study and enjoy your discovery being careful not to disturb them.^{[6]
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12
Come back a few more times to monitor their growth and progress.

Community Q&A

Question

Am I allowed to look inside and touch the babies and then leave them alone?

Community Answer

You can look, but avoid touching the babies. Though it's a myth that parent birds will abandon the nest if they smell humans on the babies or eggs (birds actually have a very limited sense of smell), they may notice that the nest has been disturbed. To some bird species, this is a sign of a predator, and the parents may flee. In addition to this, your hands are a breeding-ground for bacteria and other such dangers to the baby birds. Look briefly, then leave the nest alone.
Question

Do some owl nest in the ground?

Community Answer

Yes, some owls do. They are known as "burrowing owls" and are commonly found in Florida.
Question

What does an owl nest look like?

Annalise Fransen

Community Answer

The nesting habits of these birds vary considerably. Some nest in large tree nests or among rocks, while others are cavity nesters living in holes in trees. Barn owls can be attracted to man-made bird houses. Since the decline in this bird's natural habitat, farmers have begun using birdhouses placed on poles or the side of barns and other outbuildings to attract more of these beneficial birds. The type of nest you see will depend on the type of owl you're dealing with.