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Sabtu, 01 Juni 2013

American Kestrel Nesting Box Instructions

American Kestrel Nesting Box Instructions

Nicknamed the "sparrow hawk" because of its small size, the American kestrel is "one of the most common and colorful birds of prey in North America," according to the U.S. Wildlife Habitat Management Group. Its population has suffered in the past due to habitat destruction, but restoration efforts have helped these small raptors recover. In the wild, American kestrels often nest in old woodpecker holes or rock crevices, explains Tina Phillips of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. You can supplement these dwindling habitats with nesting boxes.

Instructions

    1

    Measure the board and mark lines across it at 26 inches, at 58 inches, at 73 inches, at 86 inches and at 93 1/4 inches.

    2

    Cut along the marks with the saw. You should end up with five shorter boards of these lengths: 26 inches, 32 inches, 15 inches, 13 inches and 7 1/4 inches. There will also be a 2 3/4 inch waste piece.

    3

    Measure and mark the 32 inch board at an angle, with one side marked at 15 inches, the other at 17 inches. Cut the board along this angled mark. These will be the sides of the nesting box, with the angle permitting a sloped roof.

    4

    Test fit the pieces together. The longest remaining board (26 inches) forms the back, with the angled pieces as the two sides. The 15 inch board is the front; the 13 inch piece is the roof; and the 7 1/4 inch piece is the floor. Check that all pieces fit without any gaps.

    5

    Bevel-cut the roof piece (13-inch) 13 degrees at one end, so that it will fit flush against the back. Check the fit and sand or trim as necessary.

    6

    Drill four 1/4 inch holes in the floor piece (7 1/4 inch board), each approximately one inch from each corner. Drill two holes in each side piece (angled boards), approximately one inch from the top, sloped edge. These will permit ventilation of the nesting box.

    7

    Drill a 3 inch hole in the front piece (15 inch board), approximately 1 1/2 inches from the top and centered between the sides. Lightly sand the edges of the hole to remove large splinters.

    8

    Roughen the board beneath the 3 inch hole on both sides, using a chisel. This will permit nestlings to grip the box, in order to more easily enter and exit the nest.

    9

    Assemble the box by screwing the two sides to the back (longest board), flush against the edges and centered top to bottom. Screw the bottom (7 1/4 inch board with four ventilation holes) between the sides, but not flush; recess the floor about 1/4 inch. Screw the front to the sides and floor.

    10

    Attach the hinges to the back, beveled edge of the roof, and then attach the hinged roof to the back board. Install the safety hook on one side. This will keep the roof closed when you are not cleaning the nesting box.

    11

    Check that there are no protruding screw tips. Trim and smooth any you find with wire cutters or a metal rasp.

    12

    Fill the nesting box with 2 to 3 inches of wood shavings or pine straw.

    13

    Mount the nesting box by screwing the back panel to a pole or outbuilding, 15 to 30 feet from the ground and facing east. Kestrels prefer open areas, so do not mount the box in a forest or on the edge of one. If your area receives high winds, further secure it with angle brackets or metal straps.

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