Successful Christmas Bird Count

February General Meeting

Pee Wee Audubon

Thank You

1998 Birdathon: For Fun and Profit

Nominations Open

Tips for Nest Box Success

Observations

Ernie Smith Honored

Midweek Walkabout Results

Field Trip Reports

Harper is ACR President

Welcome New Members

Nest Boxes at the Sanctuary

National Audubon Board Visits Sancutary

MAS Nest Boxes

Complete Christmas Count Results

Tips for Nest Box Success

By John Ferrari

While many birds build what is called an "open cup" nest---the kind most people think of when they visualize a bird nest---others are cavity nesters, raising their young in an enclosed space.

Untold numbers of nest sites for these birds have been lost to tree-cutting, other human activities, and competition by the introduced English (or House Sparrowand European Starling. Setting out nest boxes not only helps our cavity-nesting songbirds survive; it also brings us close to the exciting process of avian reproduction and growth.

In selecting a bird box, be sure it is constructed so it can be opened for cleaning, and has adequate ventilation at the bottom and the top. The size of the entry hole also is important. A 1 1/2" hole is suitable for the  Western Bluebird, Violet-green Swallow, Tree Swallow, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Titmouse, and House Finch. A smaller hole, about 1 1/8", can accommodate the House Wren, Bewick's Wren, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, and Nuthatch but will discourage Starlings and House Sparrows.

Boxes are more likely to be used if they are in place well before the nesting season begins. This will make the box a familiar part of the environment, allow the wood to develop a natural, aged appearance, and give the birds a chance to inspect it ahead of time.

The box should be located in an open, accessible area. Mount it 5 to 15 feet from the ground, on a house, tree trunk, or pole, and try to make it inaccessible to predators. To facilitate moving it if necessary, the box can be mounted on a pole with a concrete base. Don't let branches block the entrance; try to afford some afternoon shade; and be sure the box is firmly attached (except for wren houses, which may be hung). To increase your own enjoyment of the nesting box, mount it so it is easily visible from inside the house.

The recommended spacing between adjacent bluebird boxes is 300 feet, because the birds will defend their territory from others of the same species. However, if boxes are placed closer together they can attract other species as well. A typical suburban back yard can accommodate two boxes; a half acre can support at least four.

In January or February, before the nesting season begins, nest boxes should be inspected and any old nesting material removed. Be aware that wasps may be using the box. This is also a good time to make any necessary repairs. Resist the urge to stain or otherwise finish the box.

You can help discourage nesting by non-natives such as the English Sparrow or European Starling by watching for activity at the box and immediately removing any nest material that is brought by these species.

Give the birds two seasons to find the nest box. If you haven't had any luck by then, it's time to try another location.

More information on nest boxes is available through your local library, or write to Madrone Audubon Society, Post Office Box 1911, Santa Rosa, California 95402.