Nesting Survey

Nesting Boxes Survey 2008/2009 

Three volunteer days have completed the annual cleaning and repairs to existing boxes erected in 2007 and 2008. Additional boxes were erected to compliment the existing.  

There are now approximately 67+ nesting boxes now in situ this year for 2009/10.

The survey results are encouraging and are attached herewith.

We have tried to put together some information on the boxes. We are not trained ornithologists so we hope you will forgive any oversights and errors.

We could not with any certainty identify all the nests. Some photographic evidence was taken.

Of the 35 boxes erected in 2008,   27 of these had nests within and 8 were unused. Of the unused 2 were open boxes.  

Box Construction. 

The all boxes have been constructed using untreated scrap timber and timber purchased by myself.

 The boxes are all screwed and in some cased glued and made in accordance with RSPB recommendations. Although I do have some reservations about some of  the RSPB designs.

Where exterior plywood was used internal reinforcing battens were used plus two coats of water based preservative added. The paint was remarkably effective in keeping the ply boxes water tight. All of the ply boxes were used successfully by tits.

Many of the boxes are made from Oak.

Where possible the boxes have plates to prevent predator access and the entrance apertures are well above floor level to deter predators.

All boxes are tied to the tree using polypropylene rope. This method has been most effective in that the boxes are easily removed for cleaning or repositioning and the timber is undamaged. No evidence of damage to the retaining ropes by squirrel chewing. 

 Large Species Open Box

The woodland has six large species boxes. Three of these are intended for Tawny owls.

Two more added October 2009These boxes are to accommodate stock doves, Jackdaws, Starling, Green woodpecker, and Great Spotted woodpecker. They are about 18” high and 8” wide. 

Predation.

Surprisingly there was little evidence of predation. I did expect damage to the nesting boxes by the grey squirrel which inhabit the reserve in large numbers. Only one box exhibited evidence of squirrel damage which was ineffective. This box has been repaired and replaced. 

Missing Boxes.

Three boxes are missing from the Railway Copse area and I suspect some also from the Scots Pine Plantation. ( Near the Bird Hide ) The railway copse area is adjacent to the cycle track and the fencing is broken in many places. I suspect these may have removed by locals. (This does not bother me as they will have to erect the boxes somewhere!) 

Location Aspect.

As all boxes are situated in a Woodland no particular aspect was chosen. All boxes are positioned at about 10ft up in the tree. Where possible the dry side of the tree was chosen. 

As expected little use was made of the small open fronted boxes as these need to be sited in dense cover. Only one had evidence of a nest.

Some boxes were placed in prominent positions to remind visitors that this place is a nature reserve. 

Numbering.

Only the Railway Copse area has been numbered. Numbering is helpful. 

Recommendations.

The addition of Tawny Owl boxes where the woodland joins farmland. Tawny Owls are in the area. Three boxes have been constructed and will soon be ready for erection. More “larger species” boxes and maybe some for water fowl. 

The North East bay at the Reservoir has a bank situated where a kingfisher may nest. Holes can be provided to accommodate these beautiful birds.  Currently this area is continually used by Anglers.

Provision of good quality timber to replace and construct boxes.  Much timber is available from the SSDC ROW workshop and would be ideal to make long lasting boxes.  

Future bird nesting provision.

Many examples of successful breeding of Owls has been done using plastic barrels. 44 gallon barrel can accommodate Tawny or Barn owl.

The barrels are cheap, easy to clean, waterproof, light to carry and easy to erect.  A five gallon barrel could accommodate some of our larger species. Much has been documented on this subject on the web.

Solitary Bee Boxes at the Reservoir.

Four of these were constructed last year and erected. Two in the Daisy meadow attached to trees. One in Railway Copse and the last in Rusty (C5) 

None of these exhibit any bee activity by leafcutter bees or Mason bees. Reason i believe is that they are in shade. We were unable to place them in a location with clear sunny southerly aspect because of the danger of human interference.  These need to be situated on posts provided for this purpose and located  in a sunny position away from any tree shade. Silt trap area is ideal or in the middle of the meadows? 

Bat Boxes.

There are nine bat boxes on the reserve. None have been inspected since erection in 2007. 

Bird Box Survey conducted  by Sally Gray, Henry Miller and Lewis Bates October 2009.

All nesting boxes constructed by Lewis Bates.