How to Attract Owls to Your Garden Inspired by Justin Bieber's Backyard

Pop star Justin Bieber recently shared an Instagram photo dump featuring a glimpse of an outdoor living space alongside a surprise visitor: a great horned owl. While the singer has maintained an owl tattoo symbolizing wisdom since 2012, everyday gardeners can also take practical steps to welcome these majestic birds into their own yards.

To encourage owls to visit, start by researching native species in your area to determine whether they prefer open nests or enclosed nesting boxes, which should be placed high up in a mature tree away from heavy human activity. Instead of keeping a perfectly manicured lawn, leave a small patch of grass slightly longer, plant wildflowers, and preserve native trees to support a healthy population of small mammals like mice and voles for hunting. Additionally, reduce light pollution by turning off unnecessary outdoor lights and switching to motion-sensor fixtures, as owls are primarily active at dusk and during the night. Avoid using chemical rodenticides to control pests, as poisoned rodents pose a fatal threat to owls that eat them.

Before you start: Avoid chemical rat poisons entirely to protect local wildlife, and ensure any DIY or store-bought nesting boxes are securely mounted at safe heights.