Mariton: New Nest Box Activity

by Tim Burris, Preserve Manager

Bluebird nest with two eggs.

Activity is gearing up in the nest boxes.  The season is still early, but there were new developments this week.  An Eastern Bluebird pair has been building a nest in one of the boxes for several weeks.  (Both sexes work on the nest.)  There are now two eggs in the nest.  I expect to find more eggs next week when I monitor.

The beginnings of a Chickadee nest.

Chickadees have started building nests in boxes.  This nest, with its moss foundation, is the farthest along.  There will be more work before it is finished and the female starts laying eggs.

A Flying Squirrel nest. You can just make out the squirrel’s nose and mouth.

A Flying Squirrel took up residence in one of the nest boxes.  I have two boxes in the woods that are designed specifically for Flying Squirrels, but the Bluebird boxes* work too.  These guys are so cute.  They are nocturnal, so they sleep soundly during the day.  I am hoping that will allow me to get better photos in the future.

*Bluebird boxes:  we often refer to the nest boxes with a 1.5 inch hole as a “Bluebird box” but the dimensions serve several cavity nesting species like Tree Swallows, House Wrens, Chickadees, Tufted Titmice and even Flying Squirrels.