Last year, my husband and I put up three Flicker boxes on our property
(about 1 acre in size) ; we live in northern Thurston county. We were very
pleased when we saw Flickers taking an interest in all three nest boxes and
entering inside them.

However, it appears that some nasty starlings have taken over the nest boxes
because recently we have seen the starlings flying in and out of them. I
followed the instructions I was given about filling up the boxes with
shavings. I was told this would prevent "undesirables" from using the box
as well as letting the Flickers "drill" out their nest area. Well the
shavings are at the bottom of the trees and the starlings are in place in
their new home!

I would appreciate any advice about how I can remedy this situation. If I
refill the boxes with shavings again, is it too late for the Flickers to
come back and use them this year?

Thanks for any comments/advice.

Maggie Bell-McKinnon
Olympia, WA
mbel461 at ecy.wa.gov