Bird Nest Boxes

Nest boxes are a great way to help Kiawah's wildlife.  These boxes come in variety of sizes and configurations based on the target species.  The most common nest boxes for use on Kiawah are detailed below.  Cornell University provides lots of great information through their NestWatch program.

Bluebird Nest Box

Eastern Bluebirds are a common sight on Kiawah and are primarily found in open areas, especially along golf courses.  The nest boxes are easy to build and provide the perfect nesting site for bluebirds as well as Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, and Carolina Wrens.  Building plans for these boxes are provided by many different organizations and several options are provided below:

North American Bluebird Society Plan
Cornell NestWatch Plan
Audubon Plan

Important Notes:

• Place box on a pole and use a predator guard to keep snakes and other predators away
• Keep nest boxes 6-8 feet from trees and other vegetation if possible
• Mount nest box 5 feet high
• Face nest box hole to the south or east

Eastern Screech Owl Nest Box

Eastern Screech Owls are common on Kiawah, but are rarely seen since they are nocturnal.  They are small, stocky owls with prominent ear tufts.  

Screech owl boxes are easy to build though they need to be placed at least 10 feet high.  Building plans for these boxes are provided by many different organizations and several options are provided below:

Carolina Raptor Center Plans
Cornell NestWatch Plan
Audubon Plan

Important Notes:

• Place box on a tree
• Mount nest box 10-30 feet high
• Place 2-3 inches of wood shavings in the bottom of the box

<a href="http://www.kiawahisland.org/wildlife/how_to_help/nest_boxes.php">Your Link Name</a>