Saw-whet owl nesting box

This is supposed to be a saw-whet owl nesting box. Here is where it sat, in the dead elm in the centre of the photo. It should be down in the forest.

I moved a red squirrel family into it one year, as they had taken over the wood duck nesting box. This box wasn't being used. I think it was in the wrong place for the owls. July 20, 2017 Red squirrel usurps wood duck nesting box

Feb. 7, 2015

Long story, I had a saw-whet on the front porch, but it was killed by the hawk after I bought the nesting box. I was so sad.

I installed it that month, February, 2015.  Saw-whet owl nesting box,

I've been itching to move it for ages. The best time is winter. If I fall, it's a soft landing in snow!

First a ladder, and then to undo the nails. Yes, nails. The dead elm tree wouldn't take a screw. They are really hard trees. THAT was tricky.


It's really difficult walking, even with snowshoes.
  
I don't know if you can see how deep the snowshoe tracks are, but the deer have used my track.


The snow is lovely. We're on the home stretch. The sun warms the woods, and it's melted around the bench, too. Spring is coming...


TA DA! Step one is done. The box is down.


I chose another tree. My research said 4 - 5 m high, in a deciduous forest, near water, facing south (for warmth). They nest from March to July, so time is of the essence.

I trotted around on my snowshoes looking for a good tree. This one might not be the best, and we might not even get an owl in it. Saw-whets are nocturnal. They eat mostly voles and such. They are teeny things.

I expect to have the squirrels use it. I haven't seen a saw-whet since.
First, I preinstalled screws into the box, grabbed the drill, and put both on the ladder. Putting on my snowshoes, I hauled it all down the hill to the tree.


First job, to take the drill up. I set the drill in the nook at the top of the ladder, and it started buzzing. Whoops. The boxes are way too heavy. They are made of vintage barn board and weigh a ton.


Back down, to take the box up. You know, ladders aren't made for women of average height. Once up there, I realized the lower two screws were too short. The top one was a 3", and it was OK, but it didn't hold well. Nor could I get the screw tight.


Back down, put on the snowshoes, back to the garage to exchange the drill, fetch two more long screws, back down the hill, snowshoes off, again. And up I go.


 I changed it to a black and white photo.

OK, grab the drill, drag the ladder back to the house.
I went indoors, and fell into a chair, after a long drink of water. Hubby, downstairs watch curling by the fire, I tried to add a log and after climbing and fiddling around, I dropped the log on my finger. Insult to injury!