Date: 4/24/26 9:35 am From: Andy Mason via groups.io <andymason...> Subject: Re: [hmbirds] Bluebird Box Questions
I have put up slot boxes in a few locations. I've never had bluebirds
use them, but can't say that is a true indication of their utility as
bluebirds have not necessarily nested in conventional boxes in those
areas either. I have not had House Sparrows use them, but they were not
located in likely habitat for those birds.
I have had Tree Swallows nest in slot boxes, and particularly House
Wrens if they are anywhere near brushy cover. The slot seems to make it
particularly easy for wrens to bring in sticks.
Slot boxes are considerably easier to make--no drilling required.
/Sialia/ magazine (https://www.sialis.org/) has good information on
bluebird box designs and research, including a study by Kevin Berner of
SUNY Cobleskill comparing slot (Troyer) boxes with standard North
American Bluebird Soc. (Peterson) boxes. There was a clear preference
for the NABS boxes by bluebirds. Also a good discussion there of slot
boxes vs. House Sparrows.
Andy Mason
On 4/24/2026 9:53 AM, Alan French via groups.io wrote:
> I have always made and used the classic Peterson box, but am seeing a
> new trend, boxes that have, instead of a round or oval hole, a narrow
> slot, 1.25" high, between the front and the roof. This is supposed to
> be less agreeable to House Sparrows, and the extra light is also less
> to their liking (although will not completely exclude them).
>
> I just wondered if anyone has tried these.
>
> I also noticed a commercial box that had a little shelf at the bottom,
> made of thick coated wire formed into a upside down |_|, raising the
> nest off the floor. Is that worth doing?
>
> Just thinking ahead to future builds, although there are good boxes
> available for reasonable prices and my time is getting more precious.
>
> Thanks, and clear skies, Alan
> Glenville
>
>
>
>
>
--
Andrew Mason
13 Boylston St.
Oneonta, NY 13820
(607) 267-8491
<AndyMason...>
