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Projects for Cavity NestersDate: Mon, 28 Jan 2002 11:22:06 -0500 Hello nest box monitors, It has recently come to my attention that nest box monitors are more than just backyard birders. They are inventors, scientists, conservationists, outreach specialists, and teachers, among other things. Over the past few months, I have been continually amazed at the level of involvement and sophistication of Birdhouse Network participants and Bluebird-l members. For example, I have received reports about individual research projects that participants have conducted to answer a specific question relative to their boxes. Others are so motivated by nest box monitoring that they have gone above and beyond the call of duty and started monitoring programs in their neighborhoods. Still others conduct sound recordings that may help monitor populations of less common birds. I could go on and on, but I think you get my point. Some of these studies are truly scientific in nature and the results quite interesting. I am very encouraged by these folks who go the extra mile...not only do they report nest box data year after year, they are constantly asking questions of themselves and their boxes in an effort to improve, redesign, or simply know more about nest box monitoring and the birds therein. It occurred to me that the "individual projects" conducted by these folks ought to be showcased on TBN's web site so that others might also enjoy reading about their findings. As a result of this, I am planning on setting aside several pages in TBN's web site to highlight some of the amazing efforts nest box monitors have made for the sake of cavity-nesting birds. I know there are many of you out there who have done your own little projects, and I'd like to highlight those as well. Please note, I am not looking to get pages and pages of nest box data. While data is valuable in itself, I hope that it is already accounted for in TBN's database. I am looking for examples of some type of scientific experiment, no matter how simple in structure to answer some question regarding nest box monitoring and cavity-nesting birds. Additionally, I'd like to highlight significant outreach efforts by nest box monitors who may have been responsible for setting up neighborhood trails or monitoring programs. And finally, if you have something which meets the criteria above, it must be submitted to me electronically. If you are unsure about whether something is suitable, feel free to ask me. I would also encourage submission of photographs, charts etc., which may lend visual enhancement to the text. Photos can be sent to me via snail mail if they are not available electronically. If you would like to submit a project, your name, city, and state will be listed unless you prefer to remain anonymous. I would like to get this up on the web site before April, so if you have something you think would be appropriate, please send it to me as soon as possible. If you have any questions about my request, please feel free to contact me. I look forward to receiving your projects. Thanks in advance, Tina Phillips (607)254-2482 Date: Mon, 28 Jan 2002 22:49:26 -0800 Linda Violett - Yorba Linda In the next few weeks, groundwork for an experiment will begin at the La Mirada site to see if house sparrows can be trained to avoid boxes even in the absence of bluebird competition. There will not be enough nesting bluebirds to defend all sites and, according to log sheets, sparrows begin laying eggs at La Mirada park in early April. The first phase of this experiment will be to put a discreet 1/4" blue sticker on the outside face of all La Mirada boxes near the entry holes and another (larger) sticker on the inside back of the box. This will be added to the "2002 Test/La Mirada" log sheet as "Phase I." I have no idea whether this will have any affect, but it is worth a try. From a sparrow's perspective, they are honored guests. La Mirada (just like my Yorba Linda trail) is surrounded by people putting out birdseed and bird boxes. This is an attempt to communicate to sparrows that they are not welcome in boxes with decals. From: "traveldude" traveldude"at"net1plus.com Hi, Have read your call for projects with interest.. Here are a couple of projects that I am working that may or may not be of interest to you.. Reading recently the Bird Emails for a few weeks now I see a lot of concern about nest boxes overheating in the summer sun. I see lots of chat about more and more ventilation to try and keep internal temperatures down. As a different approach I have built a drainage pipe box with a huge overhang roof. My thought is it will keep the direct sun off of the surface of the box when the sun is above 45 degrees until it sets below 45 degrees in the afternoon. I have also spaced the roof 1" above the cover of the box so there will be minimal conducted sun warmth to the interior.. I predict that the interiors temperature shouldn't rise above the ambient air. To prove that what I say is real I have purchased remote thermometers that can read out on a weather station I have up to 300 feet from the house via built in radio transmitters.. As soon as the weather warms here in Mass. I will install two remote thermometers, one in the new box with the giant overhang,(16") and a second one in a control box without the overhang. Also I found a software package that will take data from my weather station and allow it to be used with Excel a spreadsheet program.. Automating it should produce credible numbers for the experiment. Punching more and more ventilation holes in boxes I feel is an attempt to have breezes or whatever to try and to dissipate the heat that the sun has produced.. Keeping the box in the shade seems to be a much better approach. Recently I also see concerns about eggs freezing in very early spring.. I think if I find time I will build a box with an aluminum floor that will be electrically heated.. I'll use a solid state thermostat so overheating etc. shouldn't be a problem. Aluminum so the temperature of the entire floor will be controlled and uniform.. I thought 70-80 degree F? I think the whole project should come out very inexpensively and extremely easy on an electric bill.. Ambient temperatures that approach the design temp of the floor and the heater will go off automatically. So no heat during warm summer days etc. Low voltage operation so safety won't be an issue.. Perhaps an external LED so the cycling of the heater can be observed from a distance too? Any interest in these projects? Paul From: "Fawzi P. Emad femad <at> fpemad <dot> com Hi,Very interesting experiments! I hope you'll run them all. I am an engineer (electrical) and I'll be happy to consult with you on the heater and other projects. One thing to remember while measuring ambient temp. is that there is a standard to uphold. It has to be done in the shade at a certain height from the ground, etc. Be sure to uphold all standards while making measurements... Fawzi Fawzi Emad in Laytonsville, Maryland ----- Original Message ----- ... Date: Fri, 01 Feb 2002 14:25:29 -0500 Dear Eastern Bluebird Monitors: Is your south-facing birdhouse really warmer than those facing other directions? Do females in warmer boxes spend less time incubating? Do warm birdhouses produce more young? This spring The Birdhouse Network (TBN) is launching a pilot study, partially funded by a grant from the North American Bluebird Society, to answer these and other related questions by recording birdhouse temperatures and incubation schedules of Eastern Bluebirds. We are looking for people who carefully monitor birdhouses of Eastern Bluebirds to participate in this pilot project. With very little extra effort required, your contribution will be immense! Basically, all you will need to do is attach tiny automated devices (data loggers) to your birdhouses and in your bird nests, monitor the birdhouses as you did in previous years, collect and submit your data to TBN via the web site, and then mail the data loggers to the Lab at the end of the breeding season. A more detailed explanation of the study and protocol will be sent to all participants in the pilot project. WHAT IS THE PROJECT ABOUT? CAN ANYBODY SIGN UP? Note: past membership with TBN is not required, but a history of careful monitoring of Eastern Bluebirds birdhouses is required and you must join TBN (and submit data online) for the 2002 breeding season. WILL EVERYONE WHO SIGNS UP GET TO PARTICIPATE? HOW DO I SIGN UP? Tina Phillips (607)254-2482 Date: Sat, 02 Feb 2002 11:42:55 -0600 At 02:25 PM 2/1/02 -0500, Tina Phillips wrote: ... Tina, I realize there may not be a lot of hard data, but Keith Kridler's posts in the past lead me to believe there is SOME data out there that already indicates factors like nestbox orientation, wood thickness, shade, etc., can lower the temperature in a nestbox. I started out with all my nestboxes in the full sun well away from trees as most books instructed and lost clutches of eggs in two of them due to heat during a particularly hot summer. (After I made absolutely certain they were abandoned, I checked the eggs before disposing of them and they were nearly hard-boiled!) These nestboxes were already oriented with entrance holes facing north, since the same books suggested facing them away from the prevailing winds. They happened to be made of 1/2" wood, again because I didn't know any better. My other, thicker, nestboxes, also in the full sun, resulted in successful fledgings, so I was easiily convinced WITHOUT NUMBERS that thicker wood was a factor in protecting from heat. I subsequently placed all nestboxes but one in the shade of trees since this is an effective way to offer protection without spending any money. The single nestbox left in the full sun seemed particularly attractive to house sparrows so I did not move it, but continued trapping them. Neither did I make any modifications for heat, since the occupants weren't in there for very long. In June a bluebird pair chose this nestbox. I was concerned about heat, but since this nestbox was reasonably well ventilated and made of full 1" thick wood, I was not willing to disturb the nesting birds unnecessarily. After all I had had successful nestings in that location in previous years, even into August, with slightly thinner-walled (3/4") nestboxes. Last July 4 three baby barn swallows were overcome by heat in their nest under an uninsulated metal roof, and I ended up fostering them. I measured the temp at the abandoned nest and it was around 105 -108 F, if I remember correctly. There was no room above the nest for adding insulation or I would have at least tacked up some styrofoam above it and let their parents raise them (after I rehydrated them with some moist food per my rehabbers instructions) This caused me to worry anew about the nestbox in the sun that now contained bluebird eggs only about 50 feet away. Although some on the list have been successful with adding
various contraptions (even umbrellas!) to active nestboxes I
was more cautious. I spray painted one side of some styrofoam
to approximate the color of the existing roof, and attached
it on top of the roof. I did not even increase the overhang,
but my dial thermometer indicated I reduced the temp in the
nestbox from 103 F to 98 F, (ambient 95 F). Now that a
new nesting season I do not have enough similar nestboxes to participate in the study, but even if I had a huge trail, I would not be willing to risk losing any eggs or chicks to extreme heat just for an "experiment". The study might be interesting for someone trying to keep their nestboxes a little warmer in a cold wet spring, but if it continued into the heat of summer I would be concerned for the little "guinea pigs" that might be occupying the experimental nestboxes. Kate Oschwald Date: Sat, 02 Feb 2002 11:07:48 -0800 Linda Violett - Yorba Linda, CA Kate's comments on the heat problems in her area of Texas are similar to what I've seen here in So. Calif. For hot southern climates, it would be interesting to know:
Kate Oschwald wrote: ... Date: Mon, 4 Feb 2002 21:56:21 -0600 Fellow Bluebird enthusiasts and bird lovers and friends. I have updated my web site with results of Bluebird birdhouse trail activities for year 2001. http://www.concentric.net/~frnavrat New information: 1) Unusual occurrences... Chickadee nest with 21 eggs... photo.
Do visit! Frank Navratil Sr. Date: Mon, 04 Feb 2002 21:53:32 -0800 Linda Violett - Yorba Linda, Calif. I, too, have been experimenting with the effects of light as a possible deterrent for honeybees, wrens and sparrows (in that order). Instead of translucent material, I've been putting skylights on the roofs of experimental hanging boxes (can only be done with boxes in shade) and some boxes have under-the-roof windows. Pictures of the skylight boxes are at: http://home.earthlink.net/~lviolett/winterroost.html Keep in mind that the material I've been working with is crystal clear plexiglas--not just translucent. The bright light from skylight washes the entire interior of the box plus the boxes have two entry holes. I don't feel either of these box styles are safe for boxes exposed to sun and would also be concerned for heat gain in boxes with translucent material if exposed to the sun. Plexiglas does not prevent either wrens or honeybees from using the boxes. But I do believe it has a slight initial deterrent factor to birds (not bees) and a surprise element which can be used to the monitor's benefit. The vast majority of bluebirds accepted the skylight boxes. My first WEBL eggs of last season were laid in an experimental skylight box (see nest: http://home.earthlink.net/~lviolett/claimstraws.html ) but a few pairs hesitated and one pair refused to build until their old box was hung. During the mid-season conversion at the golf course trail (sparrow
problems on a previously 1-holed trail), I switched a problem
site to a 2-holed skylight box after bluebirds fledged and sparrows
moved in--the golf course can only be monitored quickly once
per week and sparrows might have already given up the site after
I smashed their eggs, twice. Anyone's guess. See 3rd set of
logs at: http://home.earthlink.net/~lviolett/conversion.html
I will try a few of my skylight boxes at La Mirada Park (a newly-acquired sparrow infested park) which will be tracked on line during 2002. I'm guessing that well-lit boxes will be similar to the monofilament--may work for a while until the birds get used to it. This post will only be shared with this specialized list because I believe more harm than good will be done if people start playing with well-lit boxes under sunlit conditions. Linda Violett Frank Navratil Sr wrote: ... Date: Tue, 05 Feb 2002 17:17:59 -0500 We appreciate the comments from those of you interested in bluebirds and their birdhouses. It is encouraging to see how well those with birdhouses understand what is potentially important to bluebirds and concerned enough about research on bluebirds to take the time to provide input. In our letter to recruit participants in the pilot study, we tried to be brief with regards to the details of the project. Unfortunately, this resulted in many valid worries regarding the pilot study and quite a bit of skepticism regarding what we can gain from the pilot study. In order to address the concerns expressed on the list serve, we will try to explain the pertinent details of the study. The pilot study has two main components: (1) to collect data on incubation patterns and (2) to collect data on birdhouse temperatures. Clearly there is more interest and concerns among our participants with regard to birdhouse temperatures, so we elaborate on that aspect of the project here. As pointed out by The Texas Bluebird Society, almost every characteristic of a birdhouse will affect its temperature. The focus of our pilot study is birdhouse orientation and, as was correctly pointed out, we need to control for other factors affecting temperature. Fortunately, our protocol does address this need. The protocol for this pilot involves each participant (using data loggers) to monitor the temperature in 4 of their birdhouses used by Eastern Bluebirds. It would be the responsibility of each participant to use 4 birdhouses that were as similar to each other as possible in as many characteristics as possible, except with respect to orientation. Each box would face one of 4 cardinal directions. Because each participant knows their birdhouses better than we do, we will ask participants to control for these other characteristics in the best way possible for their site. Within each site, participants will also have a data logger to measure the ambient temperature of the site. In that way, we will compare temperatures inside each birdhouse relative to temperatures outside each birdhouse at each site. Therefore, at any give location and/or ambient temperature, we can answer the question: all else being equal among birdhouses, how much does orientation matter? And, because we hope to have participants all over eastern North America, we can see how much that answer varies geographically. We do not need to have all participants control for birdhouse characteristics in exactly the same way. We asked for information about certain birdhouse characteristics simply to get an idea of the types of birdhouses that might be involved in the pilot study. To address the valid concerns about overheating, we will include
birdhouses that use heat-reducing devices of any sort as long
as ALL 4 birdhouses in Another point we feel important to emphasize is that we try to measure the observed, underlying pattern. Of course, with all the data we are given, there will be what is referred to as 'noise' or extreme variation from the normal pattern. In order to reduce the amount of noise and make it easier to detect the pattern, we need as large a database as possible. One purpose of a pilot study is to measure the amount of variation in the system of interest so we can determine sample sizes necessary for future research. This is why we need as many participants as possible in the pilot study! Finally, there were some concerns expressed about the reliability of our participants. As with all of our Citizen Science projects, we trust the data provided by participants. Everyone at some point may make errors in recording numbers or in entering the data on-line. That is part of the 'noise' and is something addressed in statistical analyses. We hope this addresses the concerns expressed so far. Please don't hesitate to ask more questions or express your concerns if you are considering signing up for this pilot study. We encourage you to sign up quickly so we can get data loggers to participants before the nesting season. If you are interested, please contact us as soon as possible. Thank you, Caren Cooper cbc25"at"cornell.edu (607)254-2482 Date: Tue, 5 Feb 2002 20:41:46 -0600 Linda Violett & NHSK group, Here is some more information about experiments with clear
plastic covered open top bird houses. Loren Hughes sent me an
email describing her efforts. Contact her if you are interested
in seeing a photo of her birdhouse design. (I have a copy also).
+++++ original email from Loran ++++++ Hi, my name is Loren Hughes, and am the former chairperson of the IBP, I wanted to let you know that we are very disappointed in the fact that the IBP is no longer active. The reasons we resigned are personal, but didn't think they would no longer be active. The purpose of the IBP was to promote the nesting and increase the bluebird population. With this in mind, we are planning to start a bluebird society, at the present called East Central Bluebird Society. We will have an organizational meeting sometime in April. We will be mailing notices I have built a nest box, that has worked for me, and have several out to be tested. Sparrows looked it over several time and left it, a bluebird moved in and nested. The secret is the Plexiglas on the top, with a hinged cover, that when the bluebird had her nest half built, I closed the cover and she proceeded to finish her nest and raised her babies. The box is the one board box, that I designed and NABS approved. I make it into a kit, and it is used in workshops. I am attaching the photos of it so you can see how it is made. Try it and see if it will work for you. Keep; up the good work, and keep em flying=== ++++++++++ my (Frank Navratil) reply to Lorn +++++ Thanks for attaching the photographs. Your hinged second roof is an interesting solution. This design and its sequence of use (cover after Bluebird builds nest) may prove to be very House Sparrow resistant. Only time will tell of course. I have played with a similar Plexiglas top on one birdhouse (a wood Kentucky slot style) in my backyard. Over the years I made modifications: 1) The original house was occupied by House Sparrows immediately. 2) After a couple of years I cut a 4 inch hole in the roof of the bird house and put a new roof about 1 inch above the old roof to keep rain and sun out. My thinking being that the hole in the top would discourage House Sparrows. They still nested. 3) Next I removed the roof above the 4 inch hole and placed clear Plexiglas over the 4 inch hole as you have done to keep rain out. For about three years now, the House Sparrows have avoided nesting in it. Like you, I have watched House Sparrows check out this birdhouse with its Plexiglas roof but never nest in it. 4) I figured that maybe some day I would try this concept for hanging birdhouses where the sun burning through the roof would not be a problem. Never got to that project. I also cut a 4 inch hole in a second Kentucky slot style birdhouse. This one was mounted on my garage wall about one foot below the garage roof the garage roof extended far enough so that rain and overhead sun were excluded. House Sparrows never nested in that birdhouse. A new garage terminated that experiment. So, I am saying that my observations of two birdhouses in my backyard tend to support your design as being House Sparrow resistant. Good Show! Good thinking! Good luck! Frank Navratil Sr. Date: Wed, 6 Feb 2002 09:29:17 -0600 The Bauldry nestbox used in the 60's and 70's had a 4" hole cut in the roof protected with wire to keep out predators and still had sparrows nesting in it in some regions. The "raised roof" also used in the 60's and 70's with a roof above an open wire protected top also worked for some areas and failed miserably in others. When sparrows were found nesting in boxes during the 70's it was recommended that the nest be removed and the top of the box be removed to make the sparrows leave. It was found that often the sparrow would simply build in the open top box since they are weaver finches and used to nesting in the open branches of trees in many areas of the country. Removing the door or side was recommended and once again some sparrows continued to nest as they will in open shelves designed for robins. Changing a box is what often makes the sparrow to move on and we don't know what each individual really is looking for in a nest site. All options should be tried as one is bound to work at making hem leave and finding another mate or nest sites as there are millions of options available to a House Sparrow. KK Date: Wed, 06 Feb 2002 18:53:30 -0800 Thanks for sharing the posts (I'm interested in seeing the photo). This could be interesting--La Mirada is a sparrow-infested test site for 2-hole boxes this year. But sparrows will absolutely move into the 2-holers if they are without challenge, so La Mirada would be an excellent site to test effects of skylights vs. sparrows at the unchallenged boxes. Within 60 days we will know--one way or the other--if sparrows will nest in skylight boxes, or if there is any hesitation and the timing. The eleven boxes at La Mirada are now all solid roofed boxes and I plan to see if sparrows can be trained to avoid marked boxes. But I can work in the skylight tests up front at the start of the season; I have at least half dozen skylight boxes on hand and can pull a few more of my trail if needed. If bluebirds claim a site, it will stay a solid roof to keep
the 2-hole box test separate from the skylight feature.
But we can wait until sparrows start building a nest in unchallenged
boxes to switch to skylights . . . the results will be tracked
weekly on the 2002 Test page. Linda Violett Frank Navratil Sr wrote: Date: Wed, 6 Feb 2002 22:16:57 -0600 OK guys I really am sober! What if you taught the trapped sparrows to actually FEAR bluebirds....What if you took a gallon glass jar and pasted color photos of bluebirds facing in towards the inside of the jar and then dropped your trapped sparrows into the jar shaking it violently enough that the sparrows would think the bluebirds just kicked the tar out of them....Release them so that they can go tell the rest of the sparrows that "Super Bluebirds" are attacking. There are all kinds of possibilities along these lines....:-) KK Date: Wed, 6 Feb 2002 23:52:22 EST In a Message dated 2/6/2002 11:20:01 PM Eastern Standard Time,
OK guys I really am sober! What if you taught the trapped sparrows to ... I believe you're sober.. but sure why not try that???? Maybe we could paste weapons on the wings too???? dress them in ninja suits????? You are too much!! If you really try this let me know. hee hee Maybe we can just send lightening to their nest box, huh??? Kathy Date: Thu, 07 Feb 2002 05:53:33 -0800 Linda Violett - Yorba Linda, Calif. Keith, you cheated and jumped ahead of the rest of the class
by reading my "House Training Project: below La Mirada
2002 Test! See: Color association: Blue (bluebirds) Will it have any affect? Who knows, but it is worth a try and I'm not seeing enough ideas that are GOOD for bluebirds. Everyone seems to be headed in the direction of making a box too awful for the sparrows to use. Boxes are being touted as a success in the sparrow fight without counting the bluebird losses because the box is too small or too hot . . . too dangerous. There are other alternatives to be found. Time is running
out for those in rural areas who think they can move boxes away
from sparrows; and those who depend on trapping will end up
the same as the man bailing water from a sinking ship. Keith & Sandy Kridler wrote: ... Date: Thu, 7 Feb 2002 22:58:15 -0600 I guess I must be trying to live in a surreal world when I describe a box as a success if it fledges bluebirds. Jim McLochlin The Audubon Society of Omaha = http://audubon-omaha.org/
-----Original Message----- ... Date: Mon, 18 Feb 2002 14:50:19 -0500 The Birdhouse Network is CALLING FOR MORE PARTICIPANTS IN PILOT STUDY OF FEMALE INCUBATION RHYTHMS. YOU NEED ONLY ONE BIRDHOUSE TO PARTICIPATE Earlier this month, we announced a pilot study using small temperature data loggers to address questions regarding both birdhouse orientation and female incubation rhythms. One requirement to participate was at least 4 birdhouses of similar design and location. Thanks to those who volunteered, we now have participants across the US to conduct a good pilot project to address questions regarding the influence of orientation on birdhouse temperatures. However, we will still welcome more participants from under-represented regions, namely NC, VA, PA, OH, IN, the New England area, and Canada! Also, since there might be more people that want to participate but have fewer than 4 birdhouses, we want to extend our invitation. We need more participants to better address questions regarding female incubation rhythms. For this part of the study, you only need at least ONE birdhouse that consistently has Eastern Bluebirds nesting. To participate, you monitor your birdhouse as in previous years, but also place one data logger on the inside of the birdhouse (attached to a wall or roof), one data logger outside the birdhouse (attached to the floor), and one data logger carefully placed within the nest material. Nest temperature fluctuates with the arrival and departure of the female. Recording nest temperature over time allows us to estimate the duration of each female's on- and off- the nest bouts. This is the same basic protocol as those with 4 or more birdhouses, except alterations (i.e., changing orientation) to your birdhouse(s) are not necessary. The Deadline for signing up for both the comprehensive (orientation and incubation rhythm) and the incubation rhythm pilot is Tuesday, February 26th. The breeding season is beginning so we need to have a complete list of those interested in participating in order to divide up our data loggers as equally as possible across the breeding range of Eastern Bluebirds. If you would like to participate or find out more information, please contact Dr. Caren Cooper at cbc25"at"cornell.edu. Please provide: (1) Your name and the location (city, state, zip code) and number of potential birdhouses. (2) Please indicate whether you are a current member of TBN, and if not a current member, indicate that you are willing to join TBN in order to contribute data via our online web page. Thanks for your help! Cheers, Caren Cooper Date: Wed, 6 Mar 2002 12:16:05 -0800 (PST) Hi all, Several posts concerning HOSP attacks in nestboxes. Four years ago, I bought my first nestbox because the father of an acquaintence made them. He bugged me endlessly to buy a nestbox almost as a favor to him for his father. I remember that he told me not to expect Bluebirds for at least a year. I can't even remember what motivated me to put the nestbox up. Although I had raised Bobwhite quail for several years already, I couldn't tell the difference between the majority of birds if my life depended on it. I can't even say if I remember ever seeing a Bluebird in my lifetime. Well, as luck would have it, a Bluebird pair nested with Mrs. Bluebird laying the first egg one week after I set up that first nestbox. I never heard of NABS or the Cornell Bluebird-L list so I tried futilely to draw on my experience with quail. I quickly determined that Quail and Bluebirds were like apples and oranges. I began learning about HOSP and Starlings. I then realized that I had a major HOSP problem on my modest trail. Thinking back about it all, I did many things contrary to 'conventional wisdom' because I did not know what 'conventional wisdom' was regarding cavity nesting birds. I never bought another nestbox.... I began designing and constructing my own. Anyway, here's where I will finally get to the point. My nestbox design has evolved over the years basically to protect the native cavity nesting birds. Phase I : slotted holes sometimes 3 inches wide by 1 7/16" high. Large cavities sometimes more than 30 square inches. A design focused on giving the adult Blue enough room to escape and not get cornered by the HOSP. Phase II : monofilament line. Phase III : The 'rear window' and 'vertigo' nestbox designs. I actually witnessed Blues escape from a Phase I nestbox on two seperate occasions. 'Rear window' will hopefully keep the HOSP from entering altogether and 'vertigo' & Phase II nestbox designs will hopefully deter the HOSP from entering the nestbox fearlessly. I utilize a combination of all three designs in several of my nestboxes. I have been a part of this list off and on for about a year now. The knowledge and experience here is priceless however, there is alot to be said for the 'school of hard knocks' too. Certainly, active and/or passive HOSP control extends outside of the nestbox however, I think the nestbox is the point of focus. Too many times I hear discussions about the size and shape of the hole or the EXACT height from the floor etc, etc etc, etc. I think that we should all be encouraged to adapt the basic fundamentals to something that works on our own trails. Have a great day Bob Sitarski a.k.a. The Doctor Clay County Illinois and Jackson County Indiana Date: Fri, 05 Jul 2002 11:11:59 -0700 Hello, 1. The number of boxes that you monitor. I suggest that you email me directly (keyser"at"arches.uga.edu) rather than the entire listserv. I will summarize all the information that I collect and will post that summary to the listserv. Thank you for all your help! Amber Keyser Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Genetics, University of Georgia Visiting Graduate Student, Department of Biological Sciences, Washington State University -- Vancouver Research Coordinator, Prescott Bluebird Recovery Project, www.prescottbluebird.com 5838 SW Vermont Street 503-293-3290 voice From: Caren B. Cooper,
cbc25"at"cornell.edu |
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