He spied some owls in his backyard. So he knows that they are around. He wanted a home built for them so when Spring comes, they will have a place to raise their chicks. My friend also said his son was really interested in the owls. So I was building the owl box for his son as much as the owls.
I looked online and found some really simple barn owl plans. It's basically a 2 X 2 X 2 box with a ten inch square cut out of it. Here's the photos.
I used Titebond 3 wood glue to seal the corners. Then I reinforced the corners with at least 100 screws. I also made sure to put air holes on the sides, and drainage holes on the bottom.
I sealed the box with Kilz 2 primer. I've always had good luck with it.
I changed the plans just a bit. I put an edge over the top so it would cast some shade into the box. It would also help keep rain out. Let's be honest, this is Florida and there is plenty of rain.
My next step was to paint it with a thick brown enamel paint. Again, the enamel paint will withstand the weather a bit better. After the brown paint dried I used specialty camo paint to camouflage the box.
The trick I use is to hold the can back away from the wood so it sprays more of a mist than a straight line.
I try to paint them so they will blend into an oak tree.
I must have done a good job because, what would you know, an owl showed up.
It seems comfy on the inside.
Unfortunately, he'll have to vacate the premises. This owl house will be for my friend's backyard owls. I'm hoping in the spring he will be able to take some photos of the owls and their chicks in the owl box. I'll be happy to post those photos if he's able to take them. But the hard part is now on him. He has to find a way to attach the box to the tree. Good luck buddy!
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