What can viewers see on the Eastern Screech Owl HootHouse South Live Webcam?

This live cam captures the intimate world of Eastern Screech Owls in a nest box in Grapevine, Texas, showing nesting, resting, and nighttime activity from a close and natural perspective.

Where is this owl cam located?

The camera is installed in a specially designed nest box, known as the 'HootHouse South,' located in Grapevine, Texas.

What might viewers see while watching the live stream?

You may see an adult screech owl resting in the box during the day, nighttime hunting departures, or tender care as parents feed and brood their young.

What makes this cam special?

It offers a rare, detailed view into the hidden nesting habits of a nocturnal owl species that many people never get to see up close.

When is the best time to watch the live cam?

Evenings and early mornings are most active, with owls returning to roost, feeding chicks, or calling softly from the shadows.

What kinds of behaviors can viewers observe?

You can watch adults preening, feeding their young, cleaning the nest, and responding to the sounds of nearby wildlife.

What are some of the sights viewers may witness on this cam?

Owls peeking from the nest entrance, stretching wings, or gently tending to chicks beneath the dim infrared lighting are common scenes.

What do Eastern Screech Owls eat?

They feed on insects, small rodents, and occasionally small birds or reptiles, hunting silently thanks to their excellent night vision and hearing.

How do screech owls raise their young?

The female stays in the nest to incubate eggs and brood the chicks, while the male brings food nightly to feed the family.

What can viewers expect during the nesting season?

You might see egg laying, hatching, and the rapid growth of fuzzy owlets as they prepare to fledge in late spring.

What does the inside of the nest box look like?

It’s a snug, wooden cavity lined with soft bedding, providing warmth and security for the owls during the breeding season.

Why are Eastern Screech Owls important to the environment?

They help control insect and rodent populations, playing a vital role in maintaining ecological balance in suburban and forested habitats.

What do the owls do during the day?

During daylight hours, they typically rest quietly in the nest box or nearby trees, camouflaged by their mottled feathers.

What colors do Eastern Screech Owls have?

Their plumage ranges from gray to reddish-brown, blending perfectly with tree bark and helping them stay hidden from predators.

How does weather affect the owls’ behavior?

They tend to stay sheltered during heavy rain or wind, becoming more active on calm, clear nights.

Can viewers see the owlets learning to fly?

Yes—late in the nesting season, the owlets begin flapping and stretching their wings in preparation for fledging from the box.

How can viewers tell the difference between the male and female owl?

The female is typically larger and spends more time inside the nest, while the smaller male is often seen delivering food.

What kind of sounds do screech owls make?

Instead of a traditional hoot, they produce soft trills and whinnies, especially during the breeding season or when calling to mates.

What can viewers expect at night on this cam?

The infrared view reveals the owls’ nocturnal life—feeding, grooming, and interacting quietly under the soft glow of the camera’s light.

Why is this live cam worth watching?

It offers an intimate look at the life of Eastern Screech Owls, showcasing their beauty, parenting instincts, and quiet mystery of the night.

What mood does the cam capture?

It feels calm and mysterious—inviting viewers to experience the peaceful rhythm of nocturnal life in a safe nesting space.

How do the owls adapt to living near people?

Eastern Screech Owls are surprisingly adaptable, nesting in urban and suburban areas where natural tree cavities are scarce.

What can viewers learn from watching this stream?

It provides a deeper appreciation for nocturnal wildlife and the delicate balance of life in even the smallest habitats.

How does the HootHouse project support owl conservation?

By installing and monitoring nest boxes, it helps researchers study owl breeding success and raises public awareness for local wildlife preservation.

What feeling does watching this camera inspire?

It evokes wonder and respect for nature, offering a peaceful reminder of the unseen life that thrives all around us.

Eastern Screech Owl Nest Box Live Webcam

Live PTZ view of Southwest Florida river and pastures with eagles, alligators, turtles and Sandhill Cranes seen in natural surroundings.

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Watch Eastern Screech Owls Live with Our Nest Box Webcam

Welcome to the Eastern Screech Owl Nest Box Live Webcam, where you can watch the fascinating life of Eastern Screech Owls in Grapevine, Texas. This 1080p HD live stream gives you a front-row seat to the world of these remarkable nocturnal creatures. The camera, equipped with infrared night vision, allows you to observe the owls during the day and night as they go about their lives inside their nest box. From egg laying to chick rearing, feeding, and fledging, the live feed offers an intimate look at the daily routines of these adorable yet powerful birds of prey.

The Hoot House South: A Window into Owl Life in Grapevine

Located near the bustling DFW Airport, Hoot House South in Grapevine, Texas, offers a unique opportunity to witness the lives of Eastern Screech Owls. The owls featured in this nest box are the residents of Hoot House South, where for years, they’ve raised families of owlets, with viewers from around the globe joining in to watch their story unfold. This owl house is across Big Bear Creek from Hoot House North, where Leo and Lily reside, bringing even more excitement to the world of owl watching.

At Hoot House South, you’ll get to see Major and Maggie, two resident Eastern Screech Owls, raising their families year after year. Their average clutch size ranges from 3 to 5 eggs, and their behavior is a constant source of fascination. From the antics of the mother owl, who may be vocal with her young, to the father’s method of food delivery, the Hoot House South webcam is a source of endless delight and learning.

About the Eastern Screech Owl in Grapevine, Texas

The Eastern Screech Owl is an adaptable and camouflaged bird found in wooded habitats, including suburban areas like Grapevine. In Texas, they nest in tree cavities or man-made boxes, such as the Hoot House South nest box. These small but powerful raptors are often difficult to spot during the day as they rest in their well-hidden roosts, but their distinctive calls and night activities make them easier to detect at night.

Male and female Eastern Screech Owls exhibit fascinating behaviors. The males, generally smaller, are agile hunters, often bringing food to the female while she remains on the nest, incubating their eggs. The female has a deeper voice and is more territorial, often communicating with her mate and their young. Their distinctive call, a high-pitched trill, is a hallmark of the species and is commonly heard in the late evening hours.

In addition to their hunting habits, Eastern Screech Owls engage in siblicide, a behavior where the youngest owlet may be pushed aside or even killed by its stronger siblings when food is scarce. This behavior is more common in harsh environmental conditions, and owls, like many raptors, must ensure the survival of their strongest offspring.

Year-Round Weather in Grapevine, Texas

The weather in Grapevine, Texas, is conducive to year-round owl activity, with hot summers and mild winters. During the summer, temperatures in Grapevine can reach into the 90s°F (32-37°C), and the owls are active during the cooler hours of the night. Fall and spring bring milder temperatures between 60°F and 80°F (15-27°C), making these seasons ideal for observing the owls’ mating behaviors and chick rearing. Winter temperatures in Grapevine typically range from 40°F to 60°F (4-15°C), and the owls continue to raise their young during this time, despite the colder temperatures.

The Eastern Screech Owl Nest Box Live Webcam provides a unique way to observe how these owls adapt to their environment in all seasons, giving you a real-time view of their behavior as they interact with the changing weather.

Why Watch the Eastern Screech Owl Nest Box Live Webcam?

The Eastern Screech Owl Nest Box Live Webcam offers an exceptional opportunity to observe one of nature’s most fascinating creatures up close. With infrared night vision, you can watch the owls during their active nocturnal hours, seeing how they interact with each other, care for their eggs, and feed their chicks. The live feed also offers insights into how these owls have adapted to life in suburban areas, such as Grapevine, where they’ve learned to coexist with humans while maintaining their wild instincts.

Whether you're a birdwatching enthusiast, a teacher looking for educational content, or simply a nature lover, the Eastern Screech Owl Nest Box Live Webcam is an engaging way to connect with wildlife and learn about these incredible birds.

Last Updated: October 27, 2025

2025 Season

February 25, 2025 - First Egg Laid

February 27, 2025 - Second Egg Laid

March 2, 2025 - Third Egg Laid

March 4, 2025 - Fourth Egg Laid

March 6, 2025 - Fifth Egg Laid

March 29, 2025 - 3 Eggs Hatch(early Morning), as of April 4th other 2 eggs haven't hatched yet

2024 Season
Summary:
February 16th, 2024 - First Egg laid
February 20th, 2024 - Second Egg laid
February 22nd, 2024 - Third Egg laid
February 24th, 2024 - Fourth Egg laid
February 27th, 2024 -Fifth Egg laid
March 22nd, 2024- First egg hatches
March 22nd, 2024- Second egg hatches
March 22nd, 2024- Third egg hatches
March 23rd, 2024- Fourth egg hatches
March 23rd, 2024- Fifth egg hatches

2022 Season
Summary:
March 26, 2022 - First Egg
March 28, 2022 - Second Egg
March 31, 2022 - Third Egg
April 3, 2022 - Fourth Egg

2021 Season
Summary: TBD
January 31, 2021 - First Egg
February 3, 2021 - Second Egg
February 5, 2021 - Third Egg
February 8, 2021 - Fourth Egg

PREVIOUS NESTING SEASONS

2020 - 5 eggs laid, 4 hatched and fledged
2019 - 5 eggs laid, 5 hatched and fledged
2018 - 0 eggs laid (box abandoned before nesting due to ant invasion)
2017 - 5 eggs laid (including Digger), 4 hatched and fledged
2016 - 5 eggs laid (including the infamous Fig), 5 hatched and fledged
2015 - 4 eggs laid, 4 hatched and fledged
2014 - box not inhabited
2013 - 4 eggs laid, 4 hatched, 3 fledged (1 expired)
2012 - 5 eggs laid, 5 hatched and fledged
2011 - 5 eggs laid, 5 hatched and fledged
2010 - 1 egg laid, 1 hatched and fledged

THE HOOT HOUSE SOUTH

The Hoot House South is in a residential neighborhood near the busy DFW Airport in Texas. This owl house is across the creek from the other owl house you’ve seen here on HDonTap, now known as Hoot House North. Leo and Lily of Hoot House North, and Major and Maggie of Hoot House South live on opposite sides of Big Bear Creek in the little town of Grapevine, where the people are kind and the mayor is great! For the past few years we’ve watched our resident Eastern Screech Owls raise their families of owlets, and people around the globe have watched with us. Now we’re joining with HDonTap to double the fun by sharing the wonders of our Hoot House South with my daughter’s owl house -- Hoot House North!

Owl fans may enjoy comparing the activity in the two boxes. My daughter and I have learned that each owl is unique, and their behaviors are unique to them as well. For example, each mother owl has different instincts and temperaments. Some mothers are very vocal with their owlets, while others are not. The same is true for the father owls, and so they behave differently. Some fathers happily bring in food and place it at the owlets’ feet, coo at them, and quietly leave to find more. Some dads crash in, dump the food, and blast out. The antics are a hoot!

In 2009 we built and installed an owl nesting box according to the specs published by Audubon. That year we also turned our yard into a wildlife sanctuary. Our goal was to provide a safe place for Eastern Screech Owls and other wildlife in our neighborhood to raise their young.

As it turns out, the expression “If You Build it, He Will Come” served to be true. In 2010 Ty climbed up a ladder to check our nest box in the back yard and found a single owlet inside. A pair of Eastern Screech Owls had moved in and were raising their single chick in our box. That was the beginning of our fascination with this special species. We were hooked. We read whatever we could find about Eastern Screech Owls and their habits. We studied the data. As we watched the owl activity on our TV monitor, we discovered some amazing things about nature and owls, and how some species have adapted to living in the city.

We wanted to share the fun and teach what we were learning with others, so in 2016 we cobbled together some borrowed and outdated equipment and started streaming our owl box on the Internet. Within days – without any advertising – we had thousands of people around the world tuning in to watch our tiny little owl house. Classrooms started watching, and teachers used it to teach lessons on biology and the environment.

We watched as the adult pair raised their sweet clutch of owlets. We watched them communicate, feed, and lovingly protect them. We watched as the owlets fledged and fell to the ground. We watched mom and dad coach them up to the branches and teach them to fly. We watched them learn to hunt. I cried as we watched them leave in the summer. Now with the help of the good people at HDonTap, we can share our
wondrous owls with all of you. We can share the egg laying, the feeding, the hatching, the preening, the cooing – all with audio! What a hoot!

For the past several years, "Major" and "Maggie" have raised many successful owlets at this location

Last Updated: October 27, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What can viewers see on the Eastern Screech Owl HootHouse South Live Webcam?: This live cam captures the intimate world of Eastern Screech Owls in a nest box in Grapevine, Texas, showing nesting, resting, and nighttime activity from a close and natural perspective.
Where is this owl cam located?: The camera is installed in a specially designed nest box, known as the 'HootHouse South,' located in Grapevine, Texas.
What might viewers see while watching the live stream?: You may see an adult screech owl resting in the box during the day, nighttime hunting departures, or tender care as parents feed and brood their young.
What makes this cam special?: It offers a rare, detailed view into the hidden nesting habits of a nocturnal owl species that many people never get to see up close.
When is the best time to watch the live cam?: Evenings and early mornings are most active, with owls returning to roost, feeding chicks, or calling softly from the shadows.
What kinds of behaviors can viewers observe?: You can watch adults preening, feeding their young, cleaning the nest, and responding to the sounds of nearby wildlife.
What are some of the sights viewers may witness on this cam?: Owls peeking from the nest entrance, stretching wings, or gently tending to chicks beneath the dim infrared lighting are common scenes.
What do Eastern Screech Owls eat?: They feed on insects, small rodents, and occasionally small birds or reptiles, hunting silently thanks to their excellent night vision and hearing.
How do screech owls raise their young?: The female stays in the nest to incubate eggs and brood the chicks, while the male brings food nightly to feed the family.
What can viewers expect during the nesting season?: You might see egg laying, hatching, and the rapid growth of fuzzy owlets as they prepare to fledge in late spring.
What does the inside of the nest box look like?: It’s a snug, wooden cavity lined with soft bedding, providing warmth and security for the owls during the breeding season.
Why are Eastern Screech Owls important to the environment?: They help control insect and rodent populations, playing a vital role in maintaining ecological balance in suburban and forested habitats.
What do the owls do during the day?: During daylight hours, they typically rest quietly in the nest box or nearby trees, camouflaged by their mottled feathers.
What colors do Eastern Screech Owls have?: Their plumage ranges from gray to reddish-brown, blending perfectly with tree bark and helping them stay hidden from predators.
How does weather affect the owls’ behavior?: They tend to stay sheltered during heavy rain or wind, becoming more active on calm, clear nights.
Can viewers see the owlets learning to fly?: Yes—late in the nesting season, the owlets begin flapping and stretching their wings in preparation for fledging from the box.
How can viewers tell the difference between the male and female owl?: The female is typically larger and spends more time inside the nest, while the smaller male is often seen delivering food.
What kind of sounds do screech owls make?: Instead of a traditional hoot, they produce soft trills and whinnies, especially during the breeding season or when calling to mates.
What can viewers expect at night on this cam?: The infrared view reveals the owls’ nocturnal life—feeding, grooming, and interacting quietly under the soft glow of the camera’s light.
Why is this live cam worth watching?: It offers an intimate look at the life of Eastern Screech Owls, showcasing their beauty, parenting instincts, and quiet mystery of the night.
What mood does the cam capture?: It feels calm and mysterious—inviting viewers to experience the peaceful rhythm of nocturnal life in a safe nesting space.
How do the owls adapt to living near people?: Eastern Screech Owls are surprisingly adaptable, nesting in urban and suburban areas where natural tree cavities are scarce.
What can viewers learn from watching this stream?: It provides a deeper appreciation for nocturnal wildlife and the delicate balance of life in even the smallest habitats.
How does the HootHouse project support owl conservation?: By installing and monitoring nest boxes, it helps researchers study owl breeding success and raises public awareness for local wildlife preservation.
What feeling does watching this camera inspire?: It evokes wonder and respect for nature, offering a peaceful reminder of the unseen life that thrives all around us.

Eastern Screech Owl Nest Box Live Webcam

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