From: "Paul Haskins" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: some thoughts on Kestrel populations


> Several years ago on International Road in front of the Wilds there were
> several Kestrel nesting boxes installed, maybe 5 or 6.
>
> One winter every single one had a pair in them, except for one that was
> occupied by honey bees.
>
> Now most if not all of these boxes have rotted away.

Why didn't you erect a couple of nestboxes?  I have erected Kestrel
nestboxes at The Wilds and it appears I need to do so again.  I live only a
few miles north of The Wilds.

If you're going to The Wilds why not build a Kestrel nestbox and erect it
while you are there.  Nestboxes are not rocket science.  Boxes can be built
with the *simplest* of hand tools, no power tools of any type or measuring
angles with a universal bevel protractor that sets to the minute and second.

But that entrance hole is impossible!  No it is not.  Use nothing fancier
than a $10 coping saw to cut a hole, however crude.

Perhaps $8 worth of poor quality lumber from 'Home Whatever' improvement
center, a few nails or woodscrews, a coat of paint and the nestbox is done.
You don't even need a power drill to open holes for woodscrews; just use a
10d nail tapped into place and then pull the nail before the head is flush
with the surrounding wood and you've got a pilot hole for woodscrews.

You're not handy?  There are bird lovers everywhere that are comfortable
with tools and are usually happy to get together for an evening of
boxbuilding fun.  A Kestrel/Screech Owl/Bluebird/Woodpecker nestbox can be
built from scratch in under two hours.  If 4 or 5 friends get together for
just three hours 8 to 10 nestboxes can be assembled in that time.

Cordially,
Tom (the nestbox builder) Slater
[log in to unmask]
Adamsville  Ohio   USA

______________________________________________________________________

Ohio-birds mailing list, a service of the Ohio Ornithological Society.
Our thanks to Miami University for hosting this mailing list.
Additional discussions can be found in our forums, at www.ohiobirds.org/forum/.

You can join or leave the list, or change your options, at:
http://listserv.muohio.edu/scripts/wa.exe?LIST=OHIO-BIRDS
Send questions or comments about the list to: [log in to unmask]