Date: 3/26/26 7:15 am From: Daniel Getman <000003a484abda6a-dmarc-request...> Subject: Nest box update
Well it’s that time of the year for cavity nesters.
We have one pair of bluebirds that had a fully built nest on March 8th, which is very early here. But they have yet to lay any eggs. I’ve been seeing another pair in the yard, but they haven’t settled on a box yet.
A pair of tree swallows arrived on Mar 20th, which is normal. They’re still checking out nestboxes. Usually 6-8 arrive a little later.
But the most interesting box is the Screech Owl one visible from our patio. This box has an interesting history. For the last 3 years, an Eastern Screech Owl has roosted there during the winter, which I’ve occassionally seen at the nestbox hole and found owl pellets in the box. In addition, a pair of Great Crested Flycatchers have successfully nested there during the summer.
A couple weeks ago I saw a Northern Flicker looking out from the hole, which was unusual.
Unfortunately, as is normal, the starlings have recently arrived and started to claim any box with larger entrance holes, including this one. I have to trap the starlings or they’ll just claim every box.
This morning, a Northern Flicker was checking out the box, went inside, but then got chased away by a starling. These invasive starlings are a real menace. Besides being persistent and aggressive, their numbers just overwhelm our native species.
Hopefully the flickers will prevail. We’ve had them nest just one year in another box, but they roost in them every winter.
With the wild swings in temperature, 80sF yesterday and today, but a predicted hard freeze of 23F Friday night, the plants are taking a beating. Not sure how that will impact the early pollinators and fruit production.
Dan Getman, Kirksville, northeast MO
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