AFFORDABLE, ASSISTED HOUSING

Who: Likely suspects…the small birds -Western Bluebird, Tree, and Violet-green Swallow, Titmouse, Ash-throated Flycatcher, White-breasted Nuthatch, Chickadees, Woodpeckers and Wrens. The larger birds - American Kestrel, Northern Flicker, and possibly Screech Owl.

Why: When natural habitat is destroyed or altered, many people believe mistakenly that; “There's lots of open space, birds and other wildlife will go elsewhere”. The problem is there are already birds, mammals, reptiles, etc. occupying “elsewhere”. Many birds have lost their natural habitat due to degradation (development, grazing, tree clearing, farming, pollution). Without appropriate habitat birds don't reproduce…This is where we can help… Woodpeckers drill holes in trees to make their nesting and roosting (sleeping) cavities. Other birds will also use tree cavities. Where there's a shortage of natural habitat some birds will use Nest Boxes. These boxes also provide night time safety, and shelter from inclement weather.

What: Functional nest boxes. Bird safety should always be the fi rst consideration. Many “Birdhouses” are made unsafe or inappropriate (unusable) for birds. For example, Birds who use cavities don't need a perch under the entrance hole. A perch actually assists predators, who may grab a chick out of its nest. Make this a learning experience…do a little research. Briefl y: the size of the entrance and the interior depth of the box are important. The hole should be 1½ inches in diameter (1 /916 is typically suggested for Western Bluebirds) - too small for Starlings. The inside of the box should be scored below the hole, so chicks have a rough surface to hold onto (at least scrape it with a screwdriver). “Birdhouses” with less than 6 inches of space below the hole don't allow enough space for nesting material (except for Wrens). The eggs/chicks will be too close to the hole, easy prey for predators. The wood should be at least ½ inch thick for insulation (please don't use plastic boxes) and have ventilation holes. Boxes should be easy to clean out at the end of nesting season.

Where: Nest boxes should be placed at least 5 feet above the ground, in a tree or on a pole. You can add height above a fence by securing a pole to the fence or fence post. Nest boxes should not be placed where predators (cats, raccoons, opossums, etc.) can easily get at them. NEVER set a nest box on a horizontal branch or fence railing – a predator can walk right up and reach in, or easily pounce on a busy, distracted bird. Itʼs best for fledglings to have a safe place to fly to, such as a tree, so they don't end up on the ground.

When: Now! Nest boxes can be placed at any time of year. The nesting season is typically February through July, so one bird species may use your box in February, another species may use it in April, May, or June and it may also be used to roost in the rest of the year.

I've placed more than 50 nest boxes within ½ mile surrounding my house and every one of them has been used for nesting, roosting, or both. This indicates to me that there is truly a need for assisted housing! My “interest” didn't begin as a study but has been very educational. When I began placing nest boxes, I wasnʼt sure “who” might use them. Over the past few years they've been used by at least six species.

Please contact Cheryl for more information and details on how you can purchase a nest box from Morro Coast Audubon Society at: mcas@morrocoastaudubon.org. If you'd like to support the cause, but don't have a safe place for a box - we'll locate a place and put your name on your box.

Cheryl Lish
cheryl-lish@earthlink.net