Tufted titmice nesting in an odd location (2 Viewers)

[bkfisher]

I have tufted titmice feeding their young in the top of the hollow metal post holding up my basketball goal. Needless to say I won't be shooting hoops any time soon.

The pipe is vertical, so the nest must be getting drenched when it rains. I was thinking of rigging up a board that would hang a few feet above the opening of the pipe and give them some protection. Or should I just leave well enough alone?

Thanks

 

[KnockerNorton]

I'd leave it. Tits and chickadees often use vertical poles. When you think about it, they won't get any wetter than other nests, as the rain tends to fall at an angle so they rarely flood. Chickadees often use nests with vertical top entrances.

The birds are obviously fine with it, so I'd leave them in peace til they're left. You could then maybe block the end of the pole and put up a nestbox or two close by, so that next year you can shoot some hoops and the birds get a more roomy nest site, and everyone's happy!