Are the birds banded?

The female is banded under a USGS permit, which gives her a unique ID. We will band the fledglings when their flight feathers start to come in as well. During banding we will weigh and sex them.

What kind of barn is this?

The barn is an old tobacco barn—perfect habitat for barn owls to raise their young. It is currently only being used by the owls who will utilize it almost year-round.

Why is the nest in a barn?

We help encourage nesting by building barn owl boxes. Provides great protection from predators that open rafters sometimes cannot.

What is the purpose of banding the owls?

These bands help researchers track individual birds. If someone spots a band in the wild, they can report it to USGS and learn when the bird was first banded, which helps determine age and condition.

What are the most exciting behaviors to look for on a busy night?

Watch for adults arriving at the box, brief check-ins, prey deliveries, feeding moments, and chicks jostling for position as they grow.

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Why do barn owls use nest boxes instead of natural nests?

Barn owls don’t build twig nests; they often rely on cavities, and nest boxes can provide a safer substitute where natural spaces are limited.

Why is there wood shavings inside the nest box?

Shavings help cushion eggs and young, and they can make the nest surface a bit more forgiving as owlets move around.

What do barn owls usually eat in this region?

Most of their diet is small mammals—think mice, voles, and rats—so you may see prey items brought in head-first or feet-first depending on size.

How do barn owls hunt so well at night?

They rely heavily on exceptional hearing to pinpoint small mammals in darkness, even when they can’t see movement clearly.

Why are barn owls so quiet in flight?

Their feather structure helps muffle sound, letting them approach prey with remarkably silent wingbeats.

What does it mean when an owl perches on or near the box before entering?

Perching can be a “pause point” to scan for danger, listen for activity inside, or coordinate a handoff with its mate.

Can you tell the male and female barn owl apart on camera?

Often it’s tough—both sexes look similar. Clues may come from behavior (who brings food more often, who stays in the box longer), but it isn’t foolproof.

What happens during incubation and early brooding?

Typically, one adult spends longer stretches in the box keeping eggs or tiny chicks warm while the other does more of the hunting and food deliveries.

How long do barn owl chicks stay in the nest box?

They usually remain in the box for several weeks as they grow, develop feathers, and practice wing-flaps before venturing out.

Why might you see chicks of noticeably different sizes?

Barn owls commonly hatch asynchronously (not all at once), so older siblings can look much larger than the youngest in the same brood.

What are owl pellets, and might you see them here?

Pellets are compact bundles of fur and bones that owls cough up after digestion; they can accumulate in or near roosting spots.

What’s the weather like in Marshall, North Carolina through the year?

Expect warm summers with cooler nights, crisp fall conditions, chilly winters with occasional snow or ice, and mild, rainy springs.

Is it normal for the nest box to look messy?

Yes—prey remains, pellets, and shuffled shavings are normal signs of an active raptor nest site.

Should you worry if you see a chick alone for a while?

Not necessarily. Adults may be hunting, and older chicks can rest quietly for long stretches—look for patterns over time rather than a single moment.

Who’s the partner behind this barn owl camera?

This stream is presented in partnership with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, which supports conservation and education statewide.

How can I help barn owls where I live?

Support habitat that sustains small-mammal prey, avoid using rodenticides when possible, and follow wildlife-agency guidance if you’re considering a nest box.