: Hi Greg,

: I installed an aromatic cedar nest box and scored a nesting pair of 'Chololate Chickadees' (aka- Chestnut-sided Chickadees) It was the only pair of this species I have ever sucessfully encouraged to come in to a box and I've been putting up nest boxes for nearly 30 years. The box weathered to a nice orange-brown (no varnish or epoxy)in the eastern exposure it was installed but I attribute the first year success to the head high hazel nut, maple and birch trees that I left growing within 6-8ft of the box. In successive years I cleared the brush and the birds never returned. Most important is the size of the entrance hole- you have to have specific size to eliminate larger unwanted species (European Starlings, etc.) but big enough for your target species. Seen too many decorative boxes with tiny or oversized holes that never get used. So much for just slapping up a box! No, somebody always wants to get technical... Quote: Nit picky man will never be more than a nit. Confucious