http://www.kestrelsacrossamerica.org/ Try this link for directions to build, hang and maintain kestrel nest boxes. -- Johnine [log in to unmask] -------------- Original message -------------- From: Tom Slater <[log in to unmask]> From: "Paul Haskins" 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] ______________________________________________________________________ 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]