Wildlife in your Garden

[kev]

Took the dog through the local woods this morning and was delighted to see that the Rangers/volunteers have been putting new nesting boxes up. I counted eight brand new boxes which have been put up in the last few days.
Just a reminder if anybody hasn't yet done it it's time to clear out (and scrub clean) any nesting boxes you may have in the garden.

 

[COYBL25]

Took the dog through the local woods this morning and was delighted to see that the Rangers/volunteers have been putting new nesting boxes up. I counted eight brand new boxes which have been put up in the last few days.
Just a reminder if anybody hasn't yet done it it's time to clear out (and scrub clean) any nesting boxes you may have in the garden.

Have they put metal plates around the entrance holes ?

If not, the nest boxes just provide a packed lunch for the squirrels.

The local nature group put loads up in the woods by us two years ago to great fanfare.

I told them that unless they reinforced the entrance holes with metal plates, that the squirrels would chew around the holes, making them big enough until they could get in and eat the eggs / chicks.

Needless to say they ignored me and every single box was raided by the squirrels and every single one has remained unoccupied since.

 

[kev]

Have they put metal plates around the entrance holes ?

If not, the nest boxes just provide a packed lunch for the squirrels.

The local nature group put loads up in the woods by us two years ago to great fanfare.

I told them that unless they reinforced the entrance holes with metal plates, that the squirrels would chew around the holes, making them big enough until they could get in and eat the eggs / chicks.

Needless to say they ignored me and every single box was raided by the squirrels and every single one has remained unoccupied since.

Yes mate. The boxes all look to be very well made which is why I'm guessing it's the Rangers who have put them up. I'll get some pics when I get chance.

 

[COYBL25]

Yes mate. The boxes all look to be very well made which is why I'm guessing it's the Rangers who have put them up. I'll get some pics when I get chance.

It`s completely pointless putting nest boxes up for small birds anywhere in the UK where there are Grey Squirrels, without reinforcing them.

Sadly most people don`t know this and only find out the hard way.

If I could get away with it, I`d have my air gun in the woods and cull the tree rats.

 

[kev]

It`s completely pointless putting nest boxes up for small birds anywhere in the UK where there are Grey Squirrels, without reinforcing them.

Sadly most people don`t know this and only find out the hard way.

If I could get away with it, I`d have my air gun in the woods and cull the tree rats.

I've had nest boxes in my garden (and plenty squirrels) for years and have never once had that problem.
The holes do tend to get enlarged, e.g. I originally had a box specifically for Blue Tits which did nest there successfully for a few years, then Great Tits and Sparrows enlarged the holes and took over the boxes.

 

[COYBL25]

I've had nest boxes in my garden (and plenty squirrels) for years and have never once had that problem.
The holes do tend to get enlarged, e.g. I originally had a box specifically for Blue Tits which did nest there successfully for a few years, then Great Tits and Sparrows enlarged the holes and took over the boxes.

I`ve watched the grey squirrels doing it mate.

Greater Spotted Woodpeckers too, but they tend to choose their targets - birds smaller than themselves.

I`ve seen the squirrels having a go at a nest box put up for Stock Doves and coming unstuck though.

I don`t blame the squirrels, as they`re only doing what they`re designed to do, it`s just that similar to the likes of rats in seabird colonies, they can decimate small hole nesting bird populations quite quickly.

The birds in the woods by us have learnt not to use nest boxes now and the population has recovered, as the squirrels can`t get into natural holes in trees or cracks in masonry.

 

[kev]

I`ve watched the grey squirrels doing it mate.

Greater Spotted Woodpeckers too, but they tend to choose their targets - birds smaller than themselves.

I`ve seen the squirrels having a go at a nest box put up for Stock Doves and coming unstuck though.

I don`t blame the squirrels, as they`re only doing what they`re designed to do, it`s just that similar to the likes of rats in seabird colonies, they can decimate small hole nesting bird populations quite quickly.

The birds in the woods by us have learnt not to use nest boxes now and the population has recovered, as the squirrels can`t get into natural holes in trees or cracks in masonry.

Oh I'm not denying that they can do it but they're unlikely to go to all that trouble unless alternative food sources are scarce.
As I said we have plenty squirrels visiting the garden, but their main reason is to visit the bird feeders which is much easier pickings for them.

 

[Connor mcloud]

My daughter took this on the canal in Bootle this morning while she was waiting for her car to be fixed

 

[kev]

Was going to make a new nesting box for the front of the shed but decided on a different approach. I built a box structure on the inside and drilled the hole through the front of the shed.
The back of the box is transparent and comes off for easy cleaning.
My first thought was to use glass, but it gives off too much of a mirrored effect so I used the lid from a tupperware storage box which has minimum reflective properties even when backed with a black cover.
Stroke of genious . . . or idiotic idea?
Time will tell I suppose.

 

[COYBL25]

Was going to make a new nesting box for the front of the shed but decided on a different approach. I built a box structure on the inside and drilled the hole through the front of the shed.
The back of the box is transparent and comes off for easy cleaning.
My first thought was to use glass, but it gives off too much of a mirrored effect so I used the lid from a tupperware storage box which has minimum reflective properties even when backed with a black cover.
Stroke of genious . . . or idiotic idea?
Time will tell I suppose.
View attachment 345263View attachment 345264View attachment 345265

The only downside I can think of, is that the plastic bit wouldn’t “ breathe “ like wood and it could possibly get a bit warm in there ?

 

[kev]

The only downside I can think of, is that the plastic bit wouldn’t “ breathe “ like wood and it could possibly get a bit warm in there ?

That's a good point actually
I may drill one or two small holes in the back.

 

[carlos21]

That's a good point actually
I may drill one or two small holes in the back.

Yo lid.

 

[kev]

Yo lid.

Hi caros. How you doing matey?

 

[carlos21]

Hi caros. How you doing matey?

I am good tonight going to bed now speak soon.

 

[kev]

I am good tonight going to bed now speak soon.

OK mate sleep well my frìend.