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Look what they did!!! (Nestbox damage photos)

13 years ago

Either a Downy woodpecker or small squirrel has been at work with my nestboxes this fall! I went out to check them out a few weeks ago and this was what I found:

This one was the worst by far.

And ALSO, someone was building a nest!!

I wonder who built this?? Was it a Downy? Were my Bluebirds back at it for some odd reason? Or, could a Starling have made it's way in? I found large droppings in the box in photo 1.

I'm correcting the issue with those Bluebird "toothbenders" sold through the Bird Watcher's general store to bring the holes back to size and protect my other boxes from further damage. Figures when you have maybe one season left, you have to make repairs.

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Comments (6)

kendra2003
13 years ago
Bummer that you have to put the protectors on. My guess would be a Downy. They like to gain access. Since there's some straw in the bottom of the box, my feeling is that they are planning on using it to roost in for the winter. They've pecked at mine, but I have the wooden blocks attached to the front of the hole, so they haven't had much luck actually getting in, or destroying the original hole.
ohsoblue77
Original Author
13 years ago
The culprit? A Northern Flicker!!

I was surprised such a large guy was in there. Checked it out in the evening and opened one of the boxes to find the guy fluffed out on the floor.

He flew out and I installed the hole restrictors. I hated to kick him out but the damage was SERIOUS!

May just end up replacing the doors.
Seasons greeting and a Happy New Year to anyone visiting the forums!

~Tim
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kendra2003
13 years ago
Wow Tim, I never see Northern Flickers in the winter, though Cornell's site says they are here year round. Since they eat ants, I wonder what they eat in winter? I'm surprised as well. I didn't think a Flicker would do that.
sagrinin
13 years ago
Funny you should mention a Northern Flicker. My husband and I saw one yesterday. Eating from the ground which I believe that is what they do. Hasn't bothered my box though.
ohsoblue77
Original Author
13 years ago
I didn't think they would either, Kendra. I suspected a Downy, but was I surprised!

Sagrinin, I have one who's been visiting my bird feeders. They are pretty birds and good sized too.

Just can't wait till the Bluebirds come back for my 7th season!
mode_
13 years ago
flicker has been eating from my suet feeder daily for the last month -- pretty obvious why they're called flicker when they fly away

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