Woodpecker Nesting Box (1 Viewer)

S

SkyScanner

New member

• Jul 10, 2005

• #1

I want to build a woodpecker nesting box/cavity. Does anyone have any information on dimensions, materials, and placement? I'm just getting started with this idea and all help is appreciated.

 

ProthonotaryWarbler

Well-known member

• Jul 10, 2005

• #2

Hi SkyScanner I see this is one of your first posts so welcome to Bird Forum. Check out this link as it has dimensions for woodpeckers and other common North American birds-

http://baltimorebirdclub.org/by/dimen.html

 

S

SkyScanner

New member

• Jul 10, 2005

• #3

Thanks Michael.

 

greenbill

Member

• Jul 17, 2005

• #4

I made one this past winter sized for a flicker. One tip that is often given is to fill the entire box with wood chips or sawdust. This is to entice a woodpecker to excavate it (their natural instinct) and also deter other birds and squirrels from entering. I filled mine with wood chips, but after a few weeks/months they settled below the entrance hole. If I had to do it again I would pack the wood in tighter or use sawdust.

 

Richard W

Well-known member

• Jul 18, 2005

• #5

a block of polystyrene (or several layers packed tightly together) also works well, saw one at a reserve and tried it the following year, within a few weeks a woodpecker was excavating, but made a bit of mess beneath the box

 

greenbill

Member

• Jul 20, 2005

• #6

Richard W said:

a block of polystyrene (or several layers packed tightly together) also works well, saw one at a reserve and tried it the following year, within a few weeks a woodpecker was excavating, but made a bit of mess beneath the box

Click to expand...

Interesting. I may try something like this. A better (and cleaner) solution may be to use something like cork board instead.