Date: 2/8/26 10:39 am From: Kay Grinnell (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Re: bird box squirrel preventer
Hi Chris
We’ve found that a large flat washer ( from the hardware store) works great.
I’m envious of your nesting flycatchers!
Kay
Hilton Head
Sent from my iPhone
Kay Grinnell
843.597.3633
<K.Grinnell...>
> On Feb 8, 2026, at 11:48 AM, Christopher Hill <carolinabirds...> wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
> I have a box that Great Crested Flycatchers nest in every spring and summer. In the winter some squirrel always makes it their personal project to enlarge the hole and turn it into a squirrel nest. I would like to install a metal guard with 1 5/8" hole (or whatever, I'd have to go back and check the proper diameter) to prevent a third re-occurrence when I reclaim the box for flycatchers this spring. Just a piece of sheet metal with a hole and no sharp edges or burrs (so I don't want to try freehanding with tin snips, for example). Googling doesnm't work for any combination of words I have come up with - infinite places wanting to sell you baffles for a pole, but no metal hole guards. Anybody have an idea or a source?
>
> CH
>
> Chris Hill, Ph.D.
> Professor
> Biology Department
> Coastal Carolina University
> Office: Douglas 207H
> (843) 349-2567
> email: <chill...>
>
