With over a hundred bird boxes on site, it’s always interesting to see the results of the annual survey and this time we have exciting news. Ten years ago there were no tree sparrows nesting at RSPB Loch Leven and this year we had 15 nest boxes being used by tree sparrows, a great result.
In the past we had been aware of tree sparrows nesting nearby at Levenmouth but there were no known records of them nesting on the reserve. So in 2008 the warden of the time made it his mission to make homes for this red listed species and together with volunteers built over fifty additional tree sparrow boxes.
Photo: Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)
How did we encourage tree sparrows?
Wooden bird boxes have different sized entrance holes to the box encourage different sized species. A standard entrance hole is 32mm but for a tree sparrow you need a width of 28mm. Some birds, like woodpeckers, enlarge the hole to suit them so people sometimes include a metal plate in the design to prevent crafty alterations.
Positioning a nest box requires some thought. Never put them up facing south as they might over heat (hard as that is to imagine just now), a north or north-east aspect is much better. Think about potential predators, this normally means they should be at least 2m up. Giving your box a good clean after the nesting season (normally Oct to Jan is safe) is important and means you should make sure you can easily reach it. As tree sparrows like to nest in groups, the boxes were positioned in clusters around along the heritage trail, in the woodlands and close to the Gillman hide on the wetlands.
What to look out for
Most nesting takes place between April and June. Early in nesting season you can watch prospective parents checking out the boxes to see if it’s a good patch. After a while they may decide it meets the grade and begin entering with nesting materials. If you begin to see only one bird coming and going the female is probably on eggs. Soon after you may see both parents darting about with food which means there are probably young ones. Remember to leave well alone if you think there is any activity (it’s the law!).
Often it’s only when cleaning the box that you can tell it’s been used, different species have their own ways of using the nest so a bit of detective work is needed. Tree sparrows build a feathery cup then cover it over with a block of feathery down material.
Photo: Eleanor Bentall (rspb-images.com)
Help us to monitor nests at RSPB Loch Leven
Now a team of five brilliant volunteers (David G, Mark, Linda, David B and Alan) keep an eye on nest box activity and are always keen to hear reports of birds making use of the boxes. If you see any boxes in use when you are visiting, look out for the number and let us know either at the visitor centre or by email (loch.leven@rspb.org.uk). If you are lucky enough to get a photo any of the boxes in use, please send them in!
Put up your own nest box
If you would like to put up a nest box you grab one from our reserve shop or can make your own and from time to time we do building sessions at RSPB Loch Leven. Pop along to the visitor centre this Sunday 30 January from 1pm – 4pm as part of our Big Garden Birdwatch event and make a box to take home. Earlier in the day we’ll also have a bird ringing demonstration with the Tay ringing group (weather permitting) and will be offering hints and tips about spotting wildlife and giving nature a home in your garden. For more info on bird boxes, visit our advice page.