Subject: [Tweeters] Inexpensive nest boxes via the WA. Backyard Wildlife
Date: Apr 8 13:06:10 2010
From: Anderson, Christopher D (DFW - Christopher.Anderson at dfw.wa.gov


Hi Tweets,

I was out this weekend on a dog walk along North Creek and caught glimpse of a couple male juncos battling it out for a date with a lovely lady junco observing their scuffle from a nearby perch...later that evening I had a chickadee grabbing nest material off of my porch and checking out the punky cherry tree in the adjacent yard. Always a fun time of the year to watch things back in action (recent hail and snow aside)!

There is still time this month to get some boxes up for our local cavity nesters, if you have the time and gumption ;)

The WA. State Department of Fish and Wildlife Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary Program would like to offer some inexpensive nest boxes to those interested; first come first serve. Note - these boxes must be used on personal property or public spaces (with permission) and not resold; as they are provided from this voluntary state program via this one-time opportunity. WDFW asks for consideration of a donation for each of these boxes; to be used in support of the Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary Program - updating reference materials, updating website materials, obtaining more nest boxes, etc.

Here is what we have, along with suggested donation amounts:

150, Wren, Chickadee, nuthatch, or violet green-swallow $5.00
25, Wood duck $5.00
10, Purple martin $7.00
15, Downy woodpecker $7.00
4, Barn owl $20.00

Available from:
WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Region 4 Office
16018 Mill Creek Blvd.
Mill Creek, WA 98012

Please email Chris Anderson (Christopher.Anderson at dfw.wa.gov) if interested in any of the above. These boxes must be picked-up from the above Mill Creek Office - shipping is not available. WDFW will have some of these available at the upcoming Tukwila Backyard Wildlife Festival; Saturday May 8. Here is the website for information on the event:

http://www.backyardwildlifefair.org/

Please monitor boxes and take appropriate action to avoid use by house sparrows and starlings; and please leave snags up as wildlife trees whenever possible - they are, understandably, much more of a complete habitat feature than a nest box here and there. Thank you for enhancing the natural spaces on your property to provide wildlife with the habitat they need in and around us. More information on how to attract wildlife and provide wildlife-friendly habitat can be found at the WDFW Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary website. Those having issues with individual animals creating strife (and possibly long, sleepless nights) can find information on proactively avoiding nuisance situations, and/or dealing with specific nuisance wildlife events, at the WDFW Living with Wildlife website. Check out these websites:

http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/backyard/

http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/living/

Those of you who enjoy observing wildlife via nest cameras can view some of the active cameras (e.g. herons, eagles, bats, hopefully osprey soon, and more!) at the WDFW Wildcam website:

http://wdfw.wa.gov/viewing/wildview.htm

Thanks again for your support and interest in our area wildlife...and good birding!

Cheers,

Chris

__________________________________________________
?
Chris Anderson
Wildlife Biologist
District 12, King County
WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife - Region 4
16018 Mill Creek Blvd.
Mill Creek, WA 98012
425.775.1311, ext 111
Christopher.Anderson at dfw.wa.gov
http://wdfw.wa.gov
__________________________________________________
Want to attract more wildlife to your property?
Check out the WDFW Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary Program:
http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/backyard/