Nest Box designs
Raptor Nest Boxes
A raptor nest box can be made using the following dimensions:-
60- 90 cm height 40-50 cm deep
40 – 50 cm wide Hole 20cm across
They need to be placed at least 3 -4 metes up in a tree or in a branch cavity.
A lack of nest sites can be a major reason for the absence of hollow dwelling birds of prey. Old, dead trees provide the best natural sites however they are often felled by landowners. Artificial nest sites are a good way for maintaining and possibly increasing populations of hollow dwelling birds of prey. The Kookaburra is also a great rat eater and also requires a hollow at nesting time.
Man made nest boxes will be readily accepted if properly constructed and erected and will assist with the control of rodent population in the area so long as baits are not used.
A number of boxes can be used as different animals will call them home. A barn owl for example will defend approximately a one acre territory however there are other predators that will eat mice and rats that can live within the same territory. Some of these do not require nest boxes for survival such as the Tawny frogmouth however others like the Kookaburra do.
Materials and General Instructions
For boxes erected outside the best materials are 1″ thick rough-cut western cedar, cypress or redwood. All these withstand weathering. If a wood preservative or paint is used, apply it only to the outside of the box. Proper hole size and placement will allow the birds to come and go.
Boxes should have a hinged roof providing access to the inside for cleaning and maintenance. Make sure nails and screws do not protrude inside the box. A layer of leaf litter can be applied to the floor which will help contain the eggs and make incubation easier. Use only a one-inch thick layer, no more, as eggs can get lost. DO NOT use cedar shavings or sawdust as the oil or dust will make the young sick if it is ingested or if it gets into their eyes or nostrils.
 |
 |
|
|
Aquila audax Image by Melanie Barsony |
Wedge-tail Eagle Aquila audax Image by Melanie Barsony |
|
 |
 |
|
Wedge-tail Eagle Aquila audax Image by Melanie Barsony |
Wedge-tail Eagle Aquila audax Image by Melanie Barsony |
|
 |
 |
|
Wedge-tail Eagle Aquila audax Image by Shaun Murphy |
Wedge-tail Eagle Aquila audax Image by Alicia Catrter |
|
 |
 |
|
Wedge-tail Eagle Aquila audax Image by Shaun Murphy |
Wedge-tail Eagle Aquila audax Image by Shaun Murphy |
|
 |
 |
|
Wedge-tail Eagle Aquila audax Image by Melanie Barsony |
Wedge-tail Eagle Aquila audax Image by Melanie Barsony |
|
 |
 |
|
Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus Image by Alicia Carter |
Grey Goshawk Accipiter novaehollandiae Image by Sue Ulyatt |
|
 |
 |
|
Osprey Pandion haliaetus Image by Alicia Carter |
Osprey Pandion haliaetus Image by Alicia Carter |
|
 |
 |
|
Osprey Pandion haliaetus Image by Alicia Carter |
Osprey (hunting) Pandion haliaetus Image by Alicia Carter |
|
 |
 |
|
|
Aviceda subcristata Image by Alicia Carter |
Pacific Baza Aviceda subcristata Image by Alicia Carter |
|
 |
 |
|
Pacific Baza Aviceda subcristata Image by Alicia Carter |
Pacific Baza Aviceda subcristata Image by Alicia Carter |
|
 |
||
Pacific Baza Aviceda subcristata Image by Sue Ulyatt |
||
 |
 |
|
|
Ninox novaeseelandiae Image by Melanie Barsony |
Boobook Owl chick Image by Melanie Barsony |
|
 |
 |
|
Barking Owl Image by Alicia Carter
|
Boobook Owl Ninox novaeseelandiae Image by Alicia Carter |
|
 |
 |
|
Barn Owl chick Tyto alba Image by Melanie Barsony |
Barn Owl chick Tyto alba Image by Melanie Barsony |
|
 |
||
Barn Owl chick Tyto alba Image by Melanie Barsony |
||
 |
 |
|
Barn Owl Tyto alba Image by Alicia Carter |
Barn Owl Tyto alba Image by Melanie Barsony |
|
 |
 |
|
Barn Owl Tyto alba Image by Melanie Barsony |
Barn Owl Tyto alba Image by Melanie Barsony
|
|
 |
 |
|
Brown Falcon Image by Melanie Barsony
|
Brown Falcon Image by Melanie Barsony
|
|
 |
 |
|
Brown Falcon Image by Melanie Barsony
|
Nankeen-Kestrel-juvenile Image by Melanie Barsony
|
|
 |
 |
|
Brahminy kite Image by Melanie Barsony |
Brahminy kite Image by Melanie Barsony |
|
 |
 |
|
Whisteling Kite Image by Melanie Barsony |
Whisteling Kite Image by Melanie Barsony |
|
 |
||
Black-shouldered Kite Elanus notatus Image by Melanie Barsony
|
|
|
Updated January 18, 2010
© WIRES Northern Rivers 2004-2010