Does anyone (1 Viewer)

Have any nest box designs as i want to build a new one which is woodpecker proof?.

WelshWarbler said:

Have any nest box designs as i want to build a new one which is woodpecker proof?.

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Hi WelshWarbler & welcome to BirdForum there are galvanised plates sold at most garden centres/pet shops that fit around the existing hole in the box to stop woodpeckers making the hole bigger & gaining enterance to the box.

Regards Snapper.

Thanks for your advice Snapper. With my blue tits the hole wasn't enlarged (it is about 32mm - probably too big?) and the woodpecker must have reached in and pulled the nest up.

The RSPB recommend fitting a nest guardian - a tube which makes it more difficult for the woodpecker to reach inside. Will tits still use the box with something like this fitted?

Another member put a wire hanging basket round her nestbox to deter woodpeckers.

I'm wondering if they (tits) wouldn't take to a PVC box? We have some that are designed for bluebirds here by Steve Gilbertson. I personally have found that the tree swallows, bluebirds and chickadees will always check these out first and I've had all three species use it, with success. I wouldn't think the woodpecker would enjoy drilling at the hard pvc and any size hole could be fitted (here the black capped chickadee can take anywhere from
1 1/8" to 1 9/16" , the 1 1/8" and 1 1/4" would be good for most tits I should think....I've not witnessed any of our woodpeckers interested in these kinds of boxes.
shelley

What a fascinating story. I think it proves that birds and nature in general will always come up with something unexpected and pose a puzzle for the experts!

Welsh Warbler

P.S I'm extremely envious, as there is not much happening in my garden at present lol

I make mine from 19mm plywood with a slate roof. Woodpeckers don't seem to like plywood