Hello,
I am wondering if anyone out there has had experience with the new plastic kestrel boxes that are very lightweight. I have had a wooden one out there for many years and eventually the heavy wooden pole failed, bringing the entire nest with young chicks inside to the ground. I was surprised when I opened the box to find the female on the chicks. Luckily discovered this the first day and was able to,cable tie the box to existing pole stub. All 3 chicks were later banded and fledged successfully. Now thinking of boosting the number of neighborhood boxes and the plastic ones are appealing in theory (not aesthetically), because it seems like a lot lighter steel pole set up could be used. Probably 2 poles that telescope into one another to enable easy inspections ....
Any feedback much appreciated except chastising me for letting the pole get to the state that it could,break!!
Comments:
I have monitored many Kestrel
I have monitored many Kestrel nest boxes and am always impressed by the increasing devotion of both parents to defend the nest over time. This example shows it taken to a higher level. Ya gotta love this bird!
The plastic boxes are relatively new. I've ordered one to try it out, but keep in mind that light weight materials may come undone if they're too flimsy to withstand the elements.
A helpful Twitter user gave
A helpful Twitter user gave this piece of advice about plastic nestboxes:
They sound great for a lightweight option, but looks like ventilation is something to think about.