Let This Be an Example

Yesterday saw your correspondent counting foot traffic on a local greenway that runs through our largest metro park. I came across this bird nest box. The entrance hole had clearly been gnawed to a much larger size, and in fact, as I moved in for a closer inspection a gray squirrel darted out of the box! This box can no longer be safely used by breeding birds. So here's a word of warning: make your own boxes predator-unfriendly by using predator guards (if possible) and securing the entrance with a metal ring (my local bird supply store sells them for about $2 apiece.) The squirrels won't be able to chew their way in and wipe out a nest. It's really sad this specimen was on view at a city park. I've lost a little respect for the knowledge of the staff involved in putting up these boxes. But the rest of us can spread the word! Annoy a squirrel today!