Wildrice,
I know this request was directed to Moss in particular, so I hope you will both forgive me for butting in.

There are organizations like The Owl Research Institute that may be able to offer more information on research tracking etc.

www.hawkmountain.org

www.owlinstitute.org

www.raptorresearchfoundation.org

...and many more.

Depending on the species you are providing housing for, these organizations may be able to offer some suggestions or criteria. Here in N.E.PA we have 4 main species of cavity nesting owls: Barn, Barred, Eastern Screech, and Northern Saw-whet. Each has different habitat requirements/preferences. The same species elsewhere may have completely different preferences depending on the prey _base_. By studying prey _base_, researchers are able to discover what is going right or wrong for a species in a particular area. The research may also shed some light on the prey population in the area. Check those pellets!

For instance, Screech Owls may like a box placed in a wooded area, (UNDER a living limb) bordering a wetland OR a grassland. They may eat small snakes, mice, meadow voles, grasshoppers and other insects, or even small bats. We've seen these little guys using natural cavities in trees that are completely covered with poison ivy!

Barred Owls are wetland birds, almost exclusively. Sharing habitat with Broad Winged Hawks. B.O.s have a prey _base_ of approx. 238 different items, eating fish, mammals, reptiles, birds, insects, and amphibians! A requirement for them is to have longer branches very near the box opening so the young can "branch out". They leave the nest cavity quite some time before they can fly, and it may be weeks before they are able. Without these branches, the young may fall to the ground and become prey for raccoons, coyotes, or even feral cats.

I would be interested in hearing more about your project. I'm always excited when I learn about projects that matter. Kudos to you, for making the effort to help with wildlife education. Can't wait to see the webcam!

Best of luck with your project.
Baker
www.carboneec.org