I would change one thing because they don't like to perch like other woodpeckers. They prefer to perch on a branch. So I would suggest putting little perch under that hole.
My reasoning behind not adding a perch outside the hole is for defense against starlings trying to invade the nest. Flickers have the ability to put two toes forward and two toes back, which provides extra stability and strength when they are pecking into wood (whether for drumming or for excavation). This allows them to grip onto the edges of the hole easily, while the starlings (with traditional three toes forward configuration) have difficulty perching and attacking the flickers in the nest. Unfortunately, starlings will still gang up and harass or kill cavity nesting birds, but I want to give our flickers any advantage I can.
Good idea with the smaller hole in front, when I put up my 1st Flicker Nestbox the Starlings chased them away and ended up nesting in the box. Ugh. Tks for all the good ideas. Good luck with yr channel and stay safe.
Thank you, Lost. When it first went up, we had a couple of house wrens that moved in. Pretty funny to see such small birds in such a large box! It was their own mansion, and they successfully raised a family and then moved out late this summer. We then had a flicker couple work on the box, drilling and pecking away the "sacrificial cover" over the hole. By then, winter was setting in, so they stopped work. We hope they continue working on it in the spring and move in. They didn't seem to mind the flagpole, but that's probably because we don't use it as a flagpole. Instead, there is a weather station mounted on top, so there's nothing flapping around.
Great question, David. I like how you think! I based my design on box plans created by Woodcrafting for Wildlife and then made modifications to it. Theirs had straight, parallel sides. I added the corner cutouts in the base and kept a gap between the lid and the box to address the ventilation. I love your idea of tapered sides and think it would work even better. For the more experienced DIYer, I would recommend doing it the way you suggest, and I appreciate you posing the idea. If you build one, I would love to see photos! I plan to add that feature when I build my next box!
Did you have any success with this Flicker nesting box? Starlings are a nightmare! Your entrance hole idea I find intriguing...If a flicker can get its head in so can't a starling wiggle in?
We had a pair "drill" through the cover over the hole and move in for a while. Then they moved over to the natural cavity nest in the apple tree across the yard, and they raised a brood in that nest. It turns out they are territorial and won't allow another flicker pair to nest nearby, even their own offspring. So, now the box has hosted wrens, downy woodpeckers and squirrels. It's currently occupied by a very cute screech owl! Starlings are a real problem and they can fit into the nest box and the cavity in the tree. When the flickers decide to start laying eggs, the nest is never unoccupied and they take turns leaving. We've seen some terrible fights when a mob of starlings decides to challenge the flickers, and the flicker in the nest will call their mate for help. So far, they have successfully defended the nest, but I sure hate how terrible the starlings can be.
That's quite a complex plan. Understood you are trying to be economical and efficient, but a lot of steps. Other plans out there that are similar, as inexpensive, but easier. Also, they are free. Might want to go back to the drawing board on this one.
The plans on my site ARE free. And, like most things, there are many ways to accomplish something. This nest box works great for our birds and it's fun to build.
I love how.u care! Thanks for the advice
Thank you, Conscious Crunch! We love our wildlife and do everything we can to protect them.
I would change one thing because they don't like to perch like other woodpeckers. They prefer to perch on a branch. So I would suggest putting little perch under that hole.
My reasoning behind not adding a perch outside the hole is for defense against starlings trying to invade the nest.
Flickers have the ability to put two toes forward and two toes back, which provides extra stability and strength when they are pecking into wood (whether for drumming or for excavation). This allows them to grip onto the edges of the hole easily, while the starlings (with traditional three toes forward configuration) have difficulty perching and attacking the flickers in the nest.
Unfortunately, starlings will still gang up and harass or kill cavity nesting birds, but I want to give our flickers any advantage I can.
nice man!!!! ty
I'm glad you liked it!
Good idea with the smaller hole in front, when I put up my 1st Flicker Nestbox the Starlings chased them away and ended up nesting in the box. Ugh. Tks for all the good ideas. Good luck with yr channel and stay safe.
Yeah, those starlings are a real problem. Let me know if you have any ideas for dealing with them!
Beautiful Nestbox!! I was wondering, did you have any flickers move in? I'm concerned the flagpole may not be the best place to hang it.
Thank you, Lost. When it first went up, we had a couple of house wrens that moved in. Pretty funny to see such small birds in such a large box! It was their own mansion, and they successfully raised a family and then moved out late this summer.
We then had a flicker couple work on the box, drilling and pecking away the "sacrificial cover" over the hole. By then, winter was setting in, so they stopped work. We hope they continue working on it in the spring and move in.
They didn't seem to mind the flagpole, but that's probably because we don't use it as a flagpole. Instead, there is a weather station mounted on top, so there's nothing flapping around.
Any reason why the sides were not angled (say 10-12 degrees) for ventilation?
Great question, David. I like how you think!
I based my design on box plans created by Woodcrafting for Wildlife and then made modifications to it. Theirs had straight, parallel sides. I added the corner cutouts in the base and kept a gap between the lid and the box to address the ventilation.
I love your idea of tapered sides and think it would work even better. For the more experienced DIYer, I would recommend doing it the way you suggest, and I appreciate you posing the idea. If you build one, I would love to see photos! I plan to add that feature when I build my next box!
Did you have any success with this Flicker nesting box? Starlings are a nightmare! Your entrance hole idea I find intriguing...If a flicker can get its head in so can't a starling wiggle in?
We had a pair "drill" through the cover over the hole and move in for a while. Then they moved over to the natural cavity nest in the apple tree across the yard, and they raised a brood in that nest.
It turns out they are territorial and won't allow another flicker pair to nest nearby, even their own offspring. So, now the box has hosted wrens, downy woodpeckers and squirrels. It's currently occupied by a very cute screech owl!
Starlings are a real problem and they can fit into the nest box and the cavity in the tree. When the flickers decide to start laying eggs, the nest is never unoccupied and they take turns leaving. We've seen some terrible fights when a mob of starlings decides to challenge the flickers, and the flicker in the nest will call their mate for help. So far, they have successfully defended the nest, but I sure hate how terrible the starlings can be.
Foodsafe Titebond would be fine along with the braids...It'd make it stronger and waterproof...Nice work 👏 though!
Thanks Rafi. I didn't know they made a foodsafe glue!
@@UnchartedDIY ...👍
That's quite a complex plan. Understood you are trying to be economical and efficient, but a lot of steps. Other plans out there that are similar, as inexpensive, but easier. Also, they are free. Might want to go back to the drawing board on this one.
The plans on my site ARE free. And, like most things, there are many ways to accomplish something. This nest box works great for our birds and it's fun to build.