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20th Kestrel nest box   (also for Screech Owls, Wood Ducks, Bats)

ABOVE: 20th Kestrel Falcon nest box: Located on an unused telephone pole facing east and slightly south, this box is in the very edge of a wooded area that converges with a large field. This area is also attractive to Screech Owls, which prefer the cover of trees and may wish to use the box as well. Down hill from the box is a wooded creek and an open pond, which could be frequented by Wood Ducks. The box was constructed so that it was large enough for Wood Ducks to notice and use (i.e., 14"x25" exterior size with a 4"x3" entrance).

Due to the box's large size and rather heavy weight, it was hoisted into place with a temporary pulley-system and then secured to the pole with galvanized nails. The roof was set in place separately to help lower the initial mounting weight. An internal exit ladder was designed for baby Wood Ducks to climb and exit the box; the ladder’s surface also offers Bats an area on which to cling should they be interested in the box. The ladder was made by deeply notching a 1x4 cedar plank. The box was constructed using a 25" section of 13 1/2" PVC pipe. Roofing plywood was used for the roof, and the floor was made of 1/2" PVC board. The box entrance is 10' high. All tree branches within 8' of the pole were trimmed to prevent Gray Squirrels from leaping onto the box. Aluminum flashing was also wrapped around the pole as a predator guard. (no activity as of 6/24/2003)

The box is close to boxes 18 and 20-21, and was mounted on 11/29/02. It is in the Poolesville area of Montgomery County, MD, on NIH's property. I am very grateful to NIH for allowing me to use their campus for this project.