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About Bluebird Bob Walshaw
Expertise
I can answer almost any question on Eastern Bluebirds and small cavity nesters such as Chickadees, Titmice, Wrens, etc. Also general questions on other songbirds. No pet bird questions please. A free 20 page Bluebird book is available by sending your mailing address to walshaw1@cox.net
Experience
I have had a 100+ nestbox trail for more than 15 years, I do a lot of writing, public speaking and educational work in this field. My hands-on Bluebird talks include more than 1000 people each year.
Organizations
Oklahoma Bluebird Society, North American Bluebird Society, National Audubon Society, Oklahoma Audubon Society, Oklahoma Fur Bearers Alliance
Publications
Bluebird Magazine, Oklahoma Today, Fur-Fish-Game, Birds & Blooms, Nature Society News, etc.
Education/Credentials
Degree in Mechanical Engineering, an MBA, Graduate of the Home Study Course in Bird Biology from the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, Oklahoma Master Naturalist. I am also a pofessional speaker and writer.
Awards and Honors
Chosen as a public speaker for the North American Bluebird Society, Bluebird trail accepted as part of the Transcontinental Bluebird Trail, Chosen as a panel speaker at the 2006 NABS Convention.
Past/Present Clients
Many
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You are here: Experts > Recreation/Outdoors > Birding/Wild Birds > Birding > nest box cost and plans
Expert: Bluebird Bob Walshaw
Date: 9/4/2008
Subject: nest box cost and plans
Question
Dear Bob,
Tulsa Audubon has received a grant from Toyota Corp to increase volunteerism.We want to pair up with Oxley to build a bluebird trail in January. How much does a good box cost to build? what is the best design? Are there any good ready made boxes available at a reasonable cost? What is the best wood for a box? what about shields for raccoons, snakes? thank you! Laurie Ribitzki-Cleveland, OK
Answer
Hi Laurie. I have a great start for you in this project. Send me your mailing address and I will send you my free 20 page Bluebird book which has the North American Bluebird Society plan for making Bluebird boxes out of one five foot board. Pine and cedar are best, but do not use treated lumber. Many people use scrap wood, privacy fence slats, etc. Raccoon/snake guards are fine for someone who has only a couple of boxes, but they are not really practical on a trail with quite a few boxes. It is best to let nature take its course and spend the extra time and money on monitoring, trapping and eliminating house sparrows, keeping ahead of house wrens by removing sticks before they lay eggs if they are a problem and putting up more boxes.
You can buy boxes at many of the chain stores such as WalMart, Loews, Bass Pro Shops, etc., but they are a lot more expensive - up to $30 dollars or more. We may still have some good $10 boxes at our Oklahoma Bluebird Society, and I will check into this and get back to you. If so how many do you want?
I have 15 years of experience and a 100 box trail as well as being known as an expert bluebirder nationally. I will be glad to help you get started and the book will give you an excellent idea of what is involved. The nesting season does not start until March, but we could lay out the trail and get boxes up as soon as you get them, as some of the Bluebirds do not migrate and they use the boxes on cold nights. I will mail the book on 9/10 to the address that you send me.
Please wait to read it and then call me at 697-6598 with any questions that you may have and to discuss the above. Bob Walshaw.
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