Owlet Perches For A View Outside The Nest Box – May 2, 2019

Well, hello there! The owlets from the WBU Barred Owl cam are starting to perch at the entrance of the nest box and take in the view of the world they'll soon be exploring. In the past we've seen owlets attempt flights immediately after leaving the nest box, but more often than not, the they will start their explorations by "branching" or exiting the nest and climbing around nearby trees and branches. It could happen as soon as the next 48–72 hours! ⠀

Watch live at for information, highlights, and a link to the outside view.

To view the outside cam on Youtube:

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Jim Carpenter, President and CEO of Wild Birds Unlimited, has hosted a camera-equipped owl box in his wooded backyard since 1999. Set more than 30 feet high against the trunk of a pignut hickory tree, this Barred Owl box was first occupied in 2006. Since then, the box has hosted several nests, including successful attempts since 2013.

The camera system was updated in 2013 with an Axis P3364-LVE security camera and microphone mounted to the side of the box and connected to Jim’s house via 200 feet of ethernet cable. To keep predators like raccoons from investigating the nest, aluminum flashing was wrapped around the tree. An infrared illuminator in the box means you can keep track of the owls’ comings and goings throughout the night (don’t worry—the light is invisible to the owls).

Since the birds aren’t banded, we can’t tell whether this is the same pair as in past years. Although male and female Barred Owls look alike in their plumage, females can be up to a third bigger than males. You can also tell the difference between them by watching their behavior; only the female incubates the eggs and chicks, but the male is responsible for the bulk of the feeding, ferrying prey items to the incubating female, and sharing them with her inside and outside of the box.

Learn more about Barred Owls in our AllAboutBirds Species Guide at

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