Crow nesting box---what kind to use? (1 Viewer)

[Crowquette]

Roman and Roshanda are my crow friends... Roshanda comes to my yard daily, and Roman at least several times a week. Roshanda seems jealous of the squirrel nesting box the squirrels have, yet she helps protect them by alerting me when the squirrels need intervention.

I was wondering what sort of nesting box I can put in my other front yard tree for her and Roman so they, too, can have protection from the harsh Summer sun and the wet Winter rain?

Please advise if you know. Thank you!

Warmly,
Crowquette (Carol) in Walnut Creek, CA

 

[Katy Penland]

To my knowledge, crows do not utilize nest boxes but build open nests in trees. They will, however, harass other birds who do use boxes, so you might see them perched on them but not actually using them.

Crows are also notorious nest robbers, both of eggs and chicks, and it's possible "your" two crows were after the baby squirrels inside although perhaps not. Every few days, I have to "discourage" a pair of crows from being attracted to the Lewis's Woodpecker nest cavity in one of our trees now that the babies have hatched and are constantly calling for food.

 

[Crowquette]

To my knowledge, crows do not utilize nest boxes but build open nests in trees. They will, however, harass other birds who do use boxes, so you might see them perched on them but not actually using them.

Crows are also notorious nest robbers, both of eggs and chicks, and it's possible "your" two crows were after the baby squirrels inside although perhaps not. Every few days, I have to "discourage" a pair of crows from being attracted to the Lewis's Woodpecker nest cavity in one of our trees now that the babies have hatched and are constantly calling for food.

Hi, Katy! Roman and Roshanda are more likely after any food I put inside for the squirrels... the squirrels haven't had babies yet, but Roman and Roshanda seem to craw loudly if a predator bird or cat is trying to harass the squirrels... the animals seem to have an understanding and alliance that food will be shared, and I have sometimes seen my chief squirrel Aubrey sharing a branch peacefully with my female crow Roshanda. If anything, they co-exist very peacefully..... and they warn each other of cats.

Hugs,
Carol

 

[conceptbob]

Some open nesting birds such as some corvids will re-use old nests, of their own and other species. Raptors have been shown to use trays (mesh base and sides) if these are filled with a 'cup' of twigs.

 

[Crowquette]

Some open nesting birds such as some corvids will re-use old nests, of their own and other species. Raptors have been shown to use trays (mesh base and sides) if these are filled with a 'cup' of twigs.

Thank you soooooooooo much! Now I can at least help my crow friends have the right materials to nest more happily.

And you can bet they are CROWing with joy at your advice to me. Blessings on you!

Warmly,
Crowquette (Carol)