[Bluebird-babble] Need info on BB nest box guards... (UNCLASSIFIED)

[Hegeman, Janine A CTR USA]

Classification:  UNCLASSIFIED 
Caveats: NONE

Kyle,

The predator protection sounds right. Maybe they just need to get used
to it. We've had tree swallows in similar boxes.
We've also painted the boxes to increase their longevity. Hasn't stopped
the birds. 
Good luck,

Janine Hegeman
Education and Outreach Specialist - Wildlife Habitat Council
Directorate of Environmental Compliance and Management
Fort Carson CO 80913
Phone 719.524.4925 Fax 719.526.2091
janine.hegeman at us.army.mil

"Whatever you are, be a good one." Abraham Lincoln


 

-----Original Message-----
From: bluebird-babble-bounces at denveraudubon.org
[mailto:bluebird-babble-bounces at denveraudubon.org] On Behalf Of Kyle
Sent: Monday, July 16, 2007 8:37 AM
To: bluebird-babble at denveraudubon.org
Subject: [Bluebird-babble] Need info on BB nest box guards...

Questions, questions.
?> Is nest box predator guard just a piece of 1X with 1 9/16 " hole?

I am building Bluebird nest boxes to give away to our owners association
in the Fairplay area and have a question about the predator guard.  I
just cut a small piece of 1X  (3/4 " thick) with the same 1 9/16 " hole
as box, and screwed it on the front..... is this the proper way to do
it?  I have been watching the birds and they seem reluctant to
enter..... or they can't enter.... am I doing it right?  Will this keep
tree swallows out? or can they use it also?

Also.... I am putting stain on the box's exterior for protection from
the harsh climate... will this affect the BB's adoption of the boxes?
they will probably weather all winter before the BBs return next spring.

Kyle Sandersen
Denver..... with bluebird boxes in Park County

BTW we have tons of BBs up near Fairplay.

Classification:  UNCLASSIFIED 
Caveats: NONE