Bower Flicker Box
Allen Bower of Britton, MI has watched nesting flickers since
1988. Starlings frequently stole the natural cavities away.
At the BBRP 1993 conference Allen showed us the flicker box he
designed. The box has had continued success. It's time to
share the idea, as many bluebirders are interested in other cavity
nesters besides bluebirds. The design is similar to that in Carrol
Henderson's Woodworking for wildlife book. But the Bower hole is 2
½ x 3 ¼" rather than 2 ½" of Carrol's. And is tilted
forward about 15o which makes it easier for the adult birds
to feed the young upside down, and also helps the young to come to the
hole to be fed, which they do at about 12 days. It is important to
check the box regularly and to keep the box filled to the top with
shavings. If shavings are packed above the level of entrance hole
it is not possible for starlings to usurp the cavity. These pest
birds must be dispatched quickly when they attempt to. If
eliminated within 2-3 days flickers will return.
Wood chips (cedar chips) from a pet store may be a little coarse;
table saw dust is too dine and will pack. Allen recommends sawdust
from a saw mill, planner, or chain saw shavings. Flickers will do
the "excavating" to the level they want after they claim the
box. Cut kerfs under the entrance hole on the outside; tree bark
on the sides might make the box more attractive to flickers. The
box should be mounted 6 to 10 feet high on a metal pole in an area that
has raccoons. Face the box south. If the box is shaded
during the hottest part of the day, it does not need ventilation, but a
larger overhang on the roof sides would not hurt. Keep a flyway
open to the box.
Flickers like some privacy: too much human activity, or dogs and cats
will discourage them. Allen sent large scale plans some time ago,
but the drawings below were taken from the Bluebird Monitor,
newsletter of the Ohio Bluebird Society, and originally appeared in the Jack
Pine Warbler.
