Join the Island Hammerheads, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF), and the Sanibel Captiva Audubon Society for a workshop to assemble your own screech owl nest box or bat house. All tools and materials to construct your box will be provided! Multiple people can come together to build a box — you only need to purchase one ticket per box.

This event is open to all ages, but minors should be accompanied by an adult. Nest boxes and bat houses can be mounted on trees. Poles will be available for purchase separately at the event. The Island Hammerheads can be scheduled to come out and assist with installation.

Why Build an Owl Box or Bat House?

There are many benefits to sharing your space with owls and bats, most notably the free and natural pest control services. Eastern screech owls (Megascops asio) can eat more than 1,000 mice in a year. They also eat insects and small reptiles. Owls are fascinating creatures and fun to watch. Installing an owl box allows for a unique opportunity to watch them up close.

Bats are vital to any healthy environment and provide several ecosystem services — benefits that enhance the well-being of humans. The Brazilian free-tail bat (Tadarida brasiliensis) is a common native bat species that is well known for occupying bat houses. Only weighing up to 7-12 grams, it can eat up to 50-100% of its body weight in insects a night, which translates to a potential of 2,800 – 4,800 mosquitos per bat per night!

Both bats and owls have suffered from a loss of their natural habitats, especially after Hurricane Ian devastated Sanibel and Captiva Islands in 2022. You can help support native wildlife by providing the owls with a safe place to raise their young, and for bats to roost.

Cost Per Box

Owl box: $40
Bat box (Two-chambered): $40

Note, please allow extra travel time for island traffic on Periwinkle Way.

Thanks to our partners at Sanibel-Captiva Audubon and Island Hammerheads for making this event possible.