BIRDS OF PEASEMARSH 



The top of the section of log should be cut 

 with a slope, and the entrance for the bird 

 made under the lower side. A piece of weather- 

 beaten board makes a very good roof. Project- 

 ing over the entrance it will slope downwards 

 and carry off the rain. If the cavity goes down 

 to the bottom of the nest box a floor of board, 

 like the roof, can be nailed on ; this will allow 

 sufficient drainage, but where the cavity does 

 not go the full length of the cross section and 

 no drainage through the box is possible, a little 

 more sawdust should be supplied. 



We have learned by experience that a roof 

 that can be lifted up so that the nest box can 

 be inspected, is a great advantage. If birds re- 

 fuse to nest a second time in a nest box the 

 cause is sometimes found by examining it. In 

 one case a decayed egg was the reason. By lift- 

 ing off the roof this could easily be discovered 

 and removed. Sometimes wasps get in and 

 their nests need to be cleared out. Last sum- 

 mer a young Bluebird died in one of the boxes. 

 The old ones removed it themselves, but had 

 they not been able to do so they could not have 

 nested there another year, unless it had been 

 discovered and removed. So there are many 

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