Hello Lynn, et al, We (Colorado Bluebird Project - _http://www.denveraudubon.org/conservation/bluebird-project/_ (http://www.denveraudubon.org/conservation/bluebird-project/) ) have been seeing failure of tree swallow nest attempts the past week that are probably attributable to the heat wave. Since you have just one box you can quickly fashion a temporary duplex roof for it that will help reduce the temperature increase within the box resulting from direct sun. Simply glue 4 'feet' of 1 inch long pieces of 1x2 furring strips to the corners of a piece of plywood that's about the same size as your roof, then glue the feet onto the 4 corners of your roof. This will create an air space between the two roofs that will considerably reduce the temperature gain within the box due to direct sun. Bluebirders in Texas, who often have very high temperatures to contend with, came up with this solution some time ago. After the nesting season you can go back and create a more permanent duplex roof. Also after nesting season make sure your box has ventilation, several 3/8" - 1/2" holes drilled near the tops of the sides and air gaps between the roof and the tops of the sides or front & back are the most common ways to ventilate boxes. Hope this helps. Kevin Corwin west Centennial Arapahoe County In a message dated 6/26/2012 2:53:42 A.M. Mountain Daylight Time, [email protected] writes:
_Heat and Nest Boxes?_ (http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds/t/97428aa4f1b2590d) Lynn Ackerman <[email protected]> Jun 25 09:09AM -0600 Dear Cobirders, I have a nest box with tree swallow babies. I am concerned for their safety in this heat wave we are having. I see the parents continuing to feed so it appears that they are surviving, but I wonder how long they can endure this heat. There is no way to provide shade. Does anyone know if they will be OK in this extended heat? Thank you for any input, Lynn Ackerman Highlands Ranch -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.
