Mariton: House Cleaning

by Tim Burris, Preserve Manager

A mouse over-wintered in this nest box.

It is time to clean out your nest boxes.  A year ago, I wore snowshoes for my first check of the season.  The weather this year is very different, but there were still a lot of mouse nests that needed to be removed.  As I check boxes, I make notes of what needs repairing and replacement.  I prop the door of the box open with a stick to air out, and discourage mice from returning.  Next week when I make repairs, the sticks will be removed.

They’re cute, but this box is for birds!

Don’t procrastinate on your nest box maintenance. I think Bluebirds will be nesting early this year.  They will definitely be house shopping in the next few weeks, so it is important that you get things ready now.

They will be here before you know it. Photo by Carole Mebus.