Hi tweets,

Regarding the finding of a nestbox containing a mossy
chickadee nest i though I'd mention that birds aren't the only
creatures that occupy nest boxes; I don't know what chickadees
line nestboxes with so it COULD be their nest but I do know that
bumblebees (not honeybees) gladly accept nestboxes and fill them
with moss. Our Audubon chapter has a nestbox program coordinator
who told me about this and he now makes these boxes and has plans
for those who are interested. I don't think the bees are aggresive
like yellowjackets can be.

He's also told me of finding other things in nest boxes.
Once he was checking a swallow box placed in a Kent park; when he
opened it several rats came racing out! I'm not sure if he fell
off the ladder or not.

Jim Flynn
Renton, WA
bf519 at scn.org