Nest Box Installation and Monitoring

Now that you made a nest box, it is time to instal them at a suitable place. Typically box installations are done on a tree but it can also be done on an existing pole or similar contraption.

Saftey

Safety considerations

  • Since nest box installation involves climbing a ladder, personnel safety is of utmost importance
  • Stable ladder that is rated for twice the weight of the person climbing 
  • Ladder should be tied to the tree with rock climbing rope and carabiners, intertwined between the steps for secure hold  
  • Safety harness with large carabiners at both end of the rope for safe hands free working at height.
  • Cordless drill gun can be slung on the shoulder using a camera strap
  • See Tools and safety for more info

Nest box installation - Cont.

  • Attach two hooks on either side of the box and use bungee cord to temporarily anchor the box to the tree
  • Position of hooks on the box will depend on girth of the tree. 
  • Bungee cord around the tree should be taught to prevent the box from sliding down
  • Use drill gun with 2” SS screws to anchor the box to the tree
  • Remove the hooks from box after installation
  • If the wood is hard than drill a 3 mm hole in the tree before driving the screw to avoid stripping of the screw head.   
  • Remove the hooks and bungee cord that was holding the box
  • Measure distance from entrance hole to ground for the records and take a picture of the box with surrounding foliage.
Installation
Installation2

Safety considerations

  • Since nest box installation involves climbing a ladder, personnel safety is of utmost importance
  • Stable ladder that is rated for twice the weight of the person climbing 
  • Ladder should be tied to the tree with rock climbing rope and carabiners, intertwined between the steps for secure hold  
  • Safety harness with large carabiners at both end of the rope for safe hands free working at height.
  • Cordless drill gun can be slung on the shoulder using a camera strap
  • See Tools and safety for more info

Nest Box Monitoring

The next step is monitoring of the nest box at weekly or 10 day intervals following the start of the breeding season. 

    • Important to take a printout of data sheets for entry of observations in the field. Also a notebook and pen.
    • Electronic devices may not be ideal due to ambient light and signal issues
    • Best to observe late morning or early afternoon to minimize disturbance to the nest
    • Observe nest box from a distance using binoculars. 
    • Usually squirrels maybe the first to occupy the nest box in which the box will have to be cleaned out.
cleaning&maintain
c&M2

Nest Box Cleaning and Maintenance

  • Nest boxes need to cleaned for various reasons.

    • Annual cleaning of box about 2 months before breeding season to remove last years nest and debri
    • Removal of competitors (squirrels, rats) and their nests

    Precautions during nest box cleaning

    • Observe ladder safety as with nest box installation
    • Very important to wear thick dexterous gloves and dust masks 
    • Observe caution when cleaning as insects and other creatures may be present inside the box
    • Insecticide sprays can be used to kill ants but box needs to be wiped later of all residues before the breeding season
    • Post breeding season is a good time to inspect boxes for wear and tear and make a list of things that needs to be done prior to next breeding season