Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Species of Concern

Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary Program
Landscape Design for Wildlife
Nest Boxes for Birds
Woodworking Projects for Wildlife
 
- Basic Songbird Nest Box
- Robin, Barn Swallow and Phoebe Nest Platform
- Barn Owl Nest Box
- Flicker Nest Box
- Downy and Hairy Woodpecker Nest Box
- Kestrel, Saw-whet Owl and Screech Owl Nest Box
- Douglas Squirrel (Chickaree) and Flying Squirrel Nest Box
- Roost Box for Songbirds
- Wood Duck Nest Box
- Economy Bat Houses
- Post Bat House
- Suet Feeders for Birds
Hummingbirds and How to Attract Them
Winter Bird Feeding
Ponds and Birdbaths
Butterflies and How to Attract Them
Resource Books
Related Links
  The Urban Habitat Campaign
   

 
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Fun Projects for Urban Wildlife

Downy and Hairy Woodpecker Nest Box
 
Materials
One 1x8" x 8' rough cedar board
Twenty 1-1/2" outdoor wood screws or # 7 galvanized nails
Wire to keep side door shut

Lumber Detail

Lumber Detail

Click to enlarge

Basic songbird nest box

Click to enlarge

Pivot screws work as hinges. To allow the side to open easily, the pivot screw on the opposite side needs to be level with the one in front.
Loop wire around nails

Holes for attaching box to a tree or post with nails, lag bolts, or wire.


Mounting the Nest Box
Mount box 6 feet high or more and keep the flyway open in front of the box.
Tilt box forward about 15 degrees to make it easier for the babies to climb up to the entry hole.
Fill box to the top with wood shavings (animal bedding can be purchased at a pet store). Fine sawdust is not recommended because it remains damp and is difficult for birds to work with. Pack-in shavings to discourage starlings and sparrows from nesting in the box. Excavating a cavity is part of the bird's mating behavior.


Assembly Sequence


Assembly Sequence


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© 2002 Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
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