New homes in Culag Woods
The other day, members of the after-school ‘Lochinver Wildlife Group’ were busy in Culag woods. Under the supervision of Andy Summers they were installing some new homes for blue and great tits. There is a shortage of nest sites in the woods as there are few big trees with suitable natural nest holes.
The ten nest boxes were supplied by Assynt Field Club and made by one of their volunteers, Steve Langford. All the boxes had to be made woodpecker proof (covered in metal) before they were placed in the trees. The woodpeckers can ‘hammer’ at the wood around the hole to enlarge it. This gives them access to any chicks in the box.
The nest boxes will be monitored through the summer by the children and the Highlife Highland Ranger service, which runs the project.
Different types of nest box
The keen-eyed amongst you will have spotted two types. One has small holes and is suitable for small birds like great and blue tits. Robins and nuthatches favour the other type, which has an open front.
Have you ever thought about having a go at putting up or even making your own nest box for YOUR garden? Then there is lots of useful information here on the BTO website. But hurry! Birds are already looking for suitable nesting sites for this year.
(March 2023)