A Woodpecker nesting question...

Has anyone been successful having a nesting box for a Downy or Flicker? I was curious...
I've seen one I'd like to get...but don't want to waste my money either...TIA :)

I've heard of woodpeckers using boxes where the box was filled with a block of soft wood like balsa that they can dig a hole in, but it doesn't happen often - I'd doubt you can rely on it unless there's a serious shortage of natural sites (trees with decay in branches).

Resin

Well, here is my two cents worth. Several years ago, I was in a Wild Birds Limited store and got the bright idea to purchase a Northern Flicker Box that could also double as a small Owl box. I put it up at the edge of a woods. The box bottom had several inches of shredded material. I waited and waited and one day I looked out the window and what did I see but a gray squirrel poking his head out of the hole. Whether it is the same squirrel or not, I don't know, but each winter I see a squirrel residing in the box. I've never taken the time to put up a ladder, clean it out and try to discourage the squirrel. So, I really bought a nice $40-$50 dollar squirrel house. So .......... Good Luck !!!!

Resin,

Yea, I figured it can drill a hole into anything neaby. that's for sure. All the dying/dead trees/limbs are about a block down the street. I just thought it would be cool to see if we put one on a pole in our yard since we have no trees, hoping one of the females that frequent our feeders would love to take the "easy" already made home...oh well.

linthicum,

Now that's funny...ROFL! What a great capture...nope, no resemblance to a Flicker!
Awwwww...we all know you meant well...
Hmmmm...at least it's being occupied :D

This message was edited Jan 14, 2010 9:01 PM

Also when nesting in a natural enviorment they will often have more than 1 entrance/exit in case of predators.