They nest in snags and nestboxes on trees. Not sure what you mean. : )

Elly, I was going to send her to the raptor forum or to what bird.com....glad you happened by! Spinster, Elly is a professional, she will be able to guide you through or direct you to the right info. Good Luck on your Owls!

Elly, is the term 'witches broom' a new one to you? I'm sure you've seen them, but didn't know what they were. They don't qualify for barred owl housing. (See image in the attached link.)

Spinster, I heard barred owls many times last year. One would even land on the peaks of our roof and call away. THAT'S something that will make you jump right out of bed!

Anyway, a witches' broom is a dense cluster of branches, seeming to rise from a central point. It is a mutation found on a wide number of woody plant species, and is caused by a genetic mutation, or by a mutative response different kinds of insects. They can be huge or very small.

Some witches' brooms result in some interesting new plant cultivars. The ones found in conifers are often hunted and collected.

Here is a link that might be useful:

Hi Rizo,

I thought she was referring to a tree species or something. Love the picture and description.

So the answer, Spinster, is no. They nest in snags. I am sure other animals use witches' broom.

I use a witch's broom to get around on. :)