Since it is November, it is time to begin checking, cleaning, and repairing nesting boxes. Since you never know what you will find when you open a nesting box, I find the task exciting. When I peek into a box and spot a shed snakeskin, I consider it a real prize, since in most cases it means a bird brought the skin to its nest.
The chances of you finding a snakeskin in bluebird nesting box are slim unless a squirrel has enlarged the entrance hole. However, if the whole is at least 2 inches in diameter, the presence of snakeskin means a great crested flycatcher nested there.
The only other cavity nesting bird in our neck of the woods that brings a snakeskin to its nest is the tufted titmouse, however they only do so occasionally.
The only other bird that regularly includes a snakeskin its nest is the blue grosbeak. Since the does not nest in a cavity, look for its nest in low trees in shrubs along the edges of fields.
The birds supposedly adorn their nests with the skins and even drape them over nesting boxes in an attempt to deter animals such as flying squirrels from entering the cavity and devouring the eggs.
At times, pieces of plastic bags are incorporated in nests. Are they substitutes for snakeskins? Who knows?
One thought on “LOOK FOR SNAKE SKINS WHEN CHECKING NEST BOXES”
Unfortunately, one time I found an active wasp nest in one of my bird houses. Fortunately, it was a cool day, and they were less active than they might have otherwise been.
Unfortunately, one time I found an active wasp nest in one of my bird houses. Fortunately, it was a cool day, and they were less active than they might have otherwise been.