Imagine summer evenings in Georgia filled with the enchanting calls of Scops Owls echoing through parks and gardens. These remarkable migratory birds arrive in late March and typically depart by October.
Scops Owl from Ponichala park in Tbilisi
As cavity-nesting birds, Scops Owls search for suitable tree hollows, often inspecting various cracks and crevices. However, finding the perfect spot is no easy task, even in natural environments. We’ve observed these owls nesting in surprisingly small hollows, often oriented vertically downward.
Scops Owl at the entrance of the cavity of the old tree at Lisi park, Tbilisi
After heavy rains, hollows in poplar and plane trees can become flooded, putting their eggs and chicks at risk. In fact, some owls have turned to artificial structures for safer nesting. In Lisi Park, one pair even successfully bred in a concrete wall!
Scops Owl nesting in the concrete wall in Lisi park, Tbilisi
To support these beautiful birds, we’ve found that nest boxes offer a safer alternative. Designed with the right dimensions and shaded under tree canopies, these boxes protect the owls from overheating. Thanks to the generous support of the Projector School, we’ve constructed and installed 42 artificial nest boxes by October 2024. Over the past two years, Scops Owls have successfully bred in our boxes 14 times!
A female of Scops Owl staring at unwanted guests from the nest box
Our nest boxes have also provided homes for other species, including Rollers, Great Tits, and Forest Dormice.
Roller's chicks in the nest box for Scops Owl
Choosing Scops Owl Membership you create one more nesting site for this species!
We are committed to continuing our work with these adorable owls, and your support would mean the world to us! Join us in our mission to protect and support Georgia’s Scops Owls.