Who is closing the entrance of the nest box ? Denmark (1 Viewer)

[The Wayfærer]

Hi everyone,
I have this nestbox for the third year. It stayed empty last year, but two years ago bluetits used it. I cleaned it during the winter, and now I have the surprise to see its entrance tapped. Any clue to what is happening?

Location: Denmark, the box is on a pine tree, about 4 meters high. Surrounding forest: birches, beeches, pines, hazelnuts.

 

[delia todd]

Hi again TW

Gosh, no wonder you've asked the question LOL. The only thing I can think is it might be a small rodent, but even then I can't make sense of it. I hope someone soon arrives to put us out of our misery!!

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Hello,

welcome to Birdforum!

From the birds, a Nuthatch is the usual suspect, but it (always?) don't use vegetation, only mud (hence the German name Kleiber= Kleber= glue)

So I think a rodent? Edit a Dormouse? But better wait for others. Thanks!

 

[delia todd]

So I think a rodent? Edit a Dormouse?

Dormouse is what I was thinking, but can't see why at this time of year? I'd have thought they wanted in and out to feed. Winter time, maybe, when they hibernate.

But I really know little about them.

 

[tconzemi]

Dormouse is what I was thinking, but can't see why at this time of year?

They do breed in nestboxes

 

[delia todd]

They do breed in nestboxes

But why do they block up the entrance hole?

 

[tconzemi]

They build a rather messy nest going up to the roof

 

[The Wayfærer]

They build a rather messy nest going up to the roof

That could make sense, but wont the Dormouse parents come in and out from somewhere? I'll keep watching the nestbox, see what happens next!