HOWR, is smarter than I imagined

[Sassy]

We have had a HOWR around here since shortly after I lost my last fledgling, he/she sings on and off through the day from different perches in the yard. He/she decided to use one of the BB boxes for his/her sticks, so we duct taped across the opening. Today my husband saw him go in though the top opening above the door with a pretty good size stick so he went out to check and there was more than one stick in there, so they are smarter than I gave them credit for. Now the top slit is taped. So be aware those little devils can slip through that little slit opening too to cause their destruction.
Connie (PA)

[Carol – Mid-Mo.]

Connie, I’m confused – you taped the “opening” (meaning round hole?) and he went through the “top opening above the door”? Is this a different type of box or what? Most boxes only have one way in, through a hole. Maybe you have a Gilwood box that does have a type of opening above the hole because there is a wire separating the hole & top area. Anyway, yes, they will get those sticks in a hole by turning it every way until it gets it in. I have witnessed this several times, also.

[dogsandbirds]

HOWR are so tiny they can enter a 1″ space. If he went in a vent in the front that doesn’t make any kind of sense. A vent across the front without a corresponding one in the back is totally ineffective.

Gin
Atlanta, GA

[nhhawk6]

Remember, Gin, many boxes have single ventilation slots across the front of the structure, and above the entrance hole. Although they do not promote “cross-ventilation”, they serve to allow hot air to escape the box. This important air flow is supported by the “drainage hole(s)” in the floor of the box, which allow for water drainage, but also air flow into the box, and then out the slot at the top. Slot vents at both sides are an improvement, to be sure, but the single slot is better than nothing.

Randy
Bedford, New Hampshire

[Lisa]

Thanks..I was feeling kind of dumb on that one!

[dogsandbirds]

Randy, “drainage holes” should never have to function if the roof overhang is generous.

Have you ever seen a CACH, TUTI or a BHNU nest? The holes are totally blocked. The BHNU does what is called “calking” in all of the seams and corners. No air exchange allowed. That is why cross ventilation is so important. You never know what kind of bird will choose a box.

Gin
Atlanta, GA

[nhhawk6]

I understand your point of view, Gin, and I am certainly a fan of cross-ventilation. I consider drainage holes “insurance” in the event of water accumulation DESPITE a generous roof overhang, and as such they provide a meaningful function, in my opinion. I would never suggest that one allow a roof to be substandard because a box has drainage holes. I simply disagree that drainage holes serve no purpose. A secondary benefit of drainage holes is their participation in air circulation (if they are not blocked). Yes, I have seen them blocked by chickadee, titmouse, and nuthatch nests. I utilize hardware cloth as a raised floor to minimize the chance of the drainage holes being blocked. I imagine we can all agree that cross-ventilation, is better than poor ventilation, is better than no ventilation.

Randy
Bedford, New Hampshire

[Lisa]

Interesting conversation. Mine has slots at the top sides. No drainage holes. Somehow stayed dry during the tropical storm. Those were super scary days for me…

[Sassy]

Carol:
The BB boxes I have came from Walmart and the front door swings down. There is the hole in the door and the door does not close off the entire front of the box, there is a ventilation opening up there, and that is where the HOWR got in. I did not mean to confuse you but the HOWR is now in another box that was previously occupied by the Chickadees. I have kept the BB box taped shut to discourage him reentering it. It is a constant battle when you try to make a home for BB’s but well worth it in the end most times.
Connie (PA)

[Sassy]

Hi Gin:
I can only tell you how this box is made. I had no idea there were so many different kinds of BB boxes. I know people buy these I have seen them in their shopping cart and last year a family of 4 was raised in the same type of box right here in my yard.
Connie (PA)

[dogsandbirds]

Connie, there are tons of boxes! This is one of my favorites http://nestboxbuilder.com/nestboxbuilder-products.html#S22 He makes incredibly well built boxes. I have one of his for a CARW. When my boxes have lived out their lives, I am getting a couple of these.

Gin
Atlanta, GA

[Sassy]

Thanks Gin, I added his site to my favorites. Maybe this will be my Christmas present this year.
Connie (PA)

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