February 14, 2000
"Barry,...You would see sign for sure if the parents are working the nest even if just getting ready. they would be eating there and you should find remains if not pellets.  Seems to me that large old trees near suburbs should be good places to look.  You might even find them in town I'm looking for an entrance over 6 inches in diameter and a cavity that is probably 12 inches or more in diameter, right?  Look for broken snags off at angles and search for hollow trees.... oaks are good entrance from 12 to 30' off the ground . We have populated areas next to large tracts of deciduous woodlands and no fields.  Fields are important....they don't need to be big a large clearing preferably several....  Look for old crow and red tail nests too. Owls will nest up way before them and will take their nests....  Before dawn is a good time to go out and watch for owls. along rodes if there aren't any other clearings don't be surprised that they are hunting only a few feet or the ground. perch and pounce,. late in the day is good but you might not be able to track the birds back to the nest. You're going to have to climb a lot of trees if you don't spot a parent flying back to one. When you do find a nest don't try to take a baby alone, have someone with you as spotter I have been nailed in the back, talons first by a hen, totally blindsided me. If you can take an eyas take a hen. If and when yyu do get a bird handle it a lot but don't hand feed it right away just toss it its food....  they love to perch so you just need to man it....I live in Illinois..."