- Approach the box from the side.
- Tap on the box gently. This lets the bird know that you are there, and if it wants to leave, it will.
- Unlatch and open the door SLOWLY. Observe what is in the box – close the box and leave the area.
- Keep a record (e.g. chart or personal field journal) of observations that includes the date the nest was observed, and what you observed in the box. From the material in the box you can tell what species is nesting in the box - click the button below to learn more!
EXAMPLE: 06/04/2021, Nest Box # : Nesting materials including sticks, grass, and trash. - If you see red ants, wasps, bees, or little white worms in the bottom of the nest, contact the Trust at land@wctrust.org and we will explain how to deal with the problem.
- Do not touch the eggs in the nest. Doing so could kill the developing chick.
- The boxes are to be checked at least once a week, on the same day if possible.
- If you see chicks in the box for two weeks, do not open the box on the third week. Check the box after the third week and you should find an empty nest. This nest should be cleaned out of the box and left to decompose in the surrounding environment. MAKE SURE THE BIRD HAS NOT STARTED A NEW NEST BEFORE CLEARING OUT THE BOX.
Contact the Trust at land@wctrust.org with any questions.
