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By adding a dim-witted marauder guard to bird nesting corner you may stop animals like racoons , snakes , squirrel , and other bird coinage from raid the nest .
For devoid plants seeFree Wren Nesting Box PlansandFree Chickadee Nesting Box program .
Predator block around entry hole of nesting box
DIY Predator Guard
If you are providing nesting boxes for birds on your property , it is of import to admit what are call predator “ blocks ” or “ guards ” as well .
A piranha block or guard duty is plainly an spare piece of wood mounted to the front of the box . The safeguard has a kettle of fish drilled in its center the same size as the exist nesting box entry . By double the depth of the ledger entry hollow this way , other creature species encounter it much more difficult to enter or reach into the box .
It works so long as your nesting corner is properly designed with the entry hole right diameter for the specific species nesting there . There is more on this below .
Predator block around entry hole of nesting box
Nesting Box Predators
When I started using nesting boxes for the wren in our garden , raccoon and other animate being shortly caught on that they could reach into the corner and steal the testicle or hatchlings .
Awildlife cameraset up to detect question at Nox confirm my mistrust .
No !
Those nighttime bandit were indeed helping themselves to the content of the box . Other bird coinage like starlings were get in the box during the day .
While I try not to interpose unnecessarily in the food web , I felt like I should do more to protect these raspberry .
That ’s when I read about marauder guards . I was doubting because they are so round-eyed , but they really do help .
you may see how the blocking stops the bad guys in thevideo ( below ) .
How to Make a Predator Block
While it ’s unrealistic to reckon a predator cube will stop all possible predatory animal , they really do concentrate the number of threats .
Nesting Box Tips
Along with add a predator block , it is important to pick out the veracious nesting box seat pattern for the specific dame metal money you desire to appeal .
Every metal money has dissimilar needs for the size and shape of the box as well as the diameter of the entrance trap . Even a difference of opinion of one - quarter inch matter .
you may read moretips on nesting boxes , recommended entry fix sizes , and why cosmetic birdhouse are not recommended here .
Once you have the right box , where you get on it also matters . The needs of the coinage you are host will determine the best height , direction ( in sexual relation to the sun and nothingness ) as well as the recommended spatial arrangement between boxes to respect razz territory .
Related : The Difference Between Birdhouses & Nesting Boxes
Using a Nesting Box Predator Guard
Wrens Using Nesting Box
I got this footage using mywildlife cameranear the nesting box . Wrens are such fun birds to observe . They match for living and average out between 3 and 7 orchis in each brood , raising up to 3 brood per year .
So cute!And such grapheme . But a slight too attractive to the big guys on the solid food chain .
That ’s why I tally the vulture block around the entrance .
Predator #1
Watch as this starling tries to get in the box . you’re able to see how the baffle block really does make it impossible for him to get inside :
Predator #2
With the motion detection on at dark , I happened to get several figure of speech and short telecasting with the automatedwildlife cameraof a raccoon on the fence above the nesting boxwood .
The footage is right smart too black to share but upon zooming in and examining it , I could severalise the raccoon stand on the nesting box and stress to pass on inside several prison term .
Just by having the vulture blockage , the raccoon could not bend his weapon system enough to reach inside the box .
Predator #3
Chipmunk ! I did n’t get a photo but I actually find out the chipmunk prove to climb in the box while the female parent bird was privileged . The male jenny wren come down from the tree and attacked the chipmunk , literally riding on the chipmunk ’s back and pick up him as he fly the scene . disturbed !
Resources
Bird Feeder With Automated Camera
Netvue Birdfy AI Smart Bird Feeder Camera With Solar Panel
Easy Birdhouses & Feeders , Simple project to Attract & Retain the bird You Want
by Michael Berger
include plans for build 16 dissimilar nesting box , 10 raspberry feeders , and some birdbath as well . include is information on the needs of various bird coinage , which material to use , where to locate the birdhouse , and what to expect when your birds are expecting .
The book includes birdhouse plans for the following birds : America Robin , Mourning Dove , House Wren , Black - Capped Chickadee , Tufted Titmouse , Easter Bluebird , Flycatcher , Norther Flicker , Woodpecker , Wood Duck , American Kestrel , Barred Owl , Screech Owl , and Barn Owl .
I love it when such simple solutions really process .
~Melissathe Empress of Dirt ♛
