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Starling

 

Some guidance because the weekend is approaching* and it is a nice task to take on with the whole family. There are no better helpers against all kinds of pests than our feathered friends (during nesting and rearing of the chicks they can destroy pests weighing up to their own body weight per day!), and there are  moreover the other joys that birds offer us. A nesting box is actually used throughout the year, and there is competition for good locations: quite often some late breeder nests after a starling in the same  box. In winter the same nest box is used by garden birds for spending the night – at least a little warmer and safer than outside under the open sky.

 

Care, concern and duties are minimal with nest boxes, towards spring last year’s debris must be cleared out – and that is all during the first five years, later a nail or screw might need to be replaced.

 

Descriptions, pictures and recommendations can be found in the Estonian Ornithological Society archives:

http://www.eoy.ee/varamu/pesakast.htm

 

*written March 7th. For the coming weekend, sleet, snow and cold have been promised. A good indoors task!