Brown Creeper nest boxes

[Gord]

Adrienne mentioned a brown creeper at their suet feeder. Cool! That reminded me to ask if anyone has ever seen or tried to make a nest box for them. Ive made a prototype which Ill post pictures of when I get some. As they nest behind loose bark, I tried to make something that mimics that. It's hard to describe so Ill let the pictures do the talking.

I looked online for designs but didnt find any. I understand they do not take to basic box designs that attract wrens and chickadees.

[raven01]

How long have you had the box up, and where?
Any interest?
Look forward to the photos -I'd like to try one in our yard.

[Gord]

I have some up at Island 22, Chilliwack River Valley and Cheam Lake as Ive seen lots around there. I havnt seen any interest but havnt checked. I know they bred at Cheam Lake as there was a young family there a couple summers ago.

Some pictures.

Very basic design. I roughed up the side leading to the entrance but Im sure they could climb up the tree too to get to the opening.



I tried to find a flat spot on the tree but still had to stuff the gaps with moss and, using small finishing nails, tacked some bark over the roof to help keep the water out. I also tacked a strip of bark on the side leading to the entrance.



They look good and are as close to duplicating a gap in loose bark as I could conjure up at this point.

[deb&tony]

Nice looking nest boxes Gord- what are the dimensions? Keep us posted on who moves in, I'm just wondering if Pacific tree frogs would find them to be a good shelter as well.

Deb

[Gord]

Hi Deb, sorry I didnt get back to you sooner. I was hoping to get near one of the boxes to measure it. I did at one point but forgot. I did hear a creeper singing near by though!

I think they're about 12 inches high and about 6 at the widest. The 'floor' is about 6 inches down and about 3 inches in size. Thanks to the design of the box, floor space increases as they build up.

I will get the dimensions and I hope a sighting of one being used!