Inaugural Owl Box Launch (2021)
Four boxes were installed in 2021. The nesting boxes were built by neighborhood woodworkers and the pole mounting system and installation was provided by ICHA. One box was repeatedly inhabited by bees and the site was deemed unusable.
Second installment of 4 more nesting boxes (2024)
ICHA purchased and installed 4 new nesting boxes in November of 2024. The new box design by The Barn Owl Box Company has been successful in attracting barn owls in the nearby neighborhood of Crystal Cove.
Monitoring of nesting box activity by UHS Birding Club
In order to monitor the boxes for owl activity, a remote portable camera outfit (borescope) was purchased with the funds raised by the Birding Club from University High School. These students monitor the activity in the boxes several times each year.
Owl box locations as of February, 2026
We remain hopeful that our boxes will be inhabited. We are investigating other box designs that have been used in our area for the next phase of installation. In addition to local successes in Crystal Cove and Turtle Rock neighborhoods, there are many other barn owl success stories and neighborhoods that have moved away from rodenticides and installed barn owl boxes.
What’s Happening Event (2024)
Photo by Audrey Kapelinski
Spring Fling Event (2025)
FAQ
Will barn owls harm my small dog or cat?
No, but if you leave the hamster out overnight…
Will barn owls be successful hunters in a neighborhood with street lighting?
Yes, and here is an article that will shed some “light” on the subject.
Are owls noisy neighbors?
For about 8 weeks during the nesting season (February-June in southern California), barn owls make loud screeching sounds and the boxes can be odoriferous.
Do the Great Horned owls hunt rats and nest in boxes?
Yes, they do eat rats! No, they do not nest in boxes.