This box was placed in an oak in February 1999. In 1999, 2000 and 2001 the box was occupied by great tits. On 26 May 2001 seven almost fledged young were counted. In 2002 starlings made a nest in the box. See picture of starling leaving the box after having fed the young, holding faeces in bill. This picture was made 2 May 2002. On 7 July I opened the box and, to my surprise, found a nest with great tits. In 2003 and 2004 great tits breeding. Picture of tits on 3 July 2004. On 17 October 2011 I found the box on the ground. On 3 March 2012 box placed in another tree. Starlings occupied the box again. In 2013 nest of great tit. On New Year's Day 2018 I moved the box, which had fallen down again, to replace the box in the beech, no. 7 below. In 2022 starlings built a nest. diameter entrance hole: 52 mm, floor: 18 by 14 cm, distance floor-entrance hole: 23 cm

7. Box in beech

This box possibly dates from about 1980. A woodpecker made a large hole in this box years ago. It was big enough for a squirrel to enter. In 2000 hornets made a nest in this part. Unfortunately the nest was removed and the box treated with poison. In 2001, 2002 and 2003 the box was occupied by starlings. In 2002 I succeeded in making a picture of a starling sticking to the box before entering it. Most of the time they flew in directly. On 11 May 2002 I saw a young starling looking out of the box when fed. On 18 May 2002 I opened the box. All had left. Fresh leaves were brought in. Male starling was singing in the vicinity. On 26 May I opened the box again and saw two eggs of the second clutch. On 29 June at least one young starling left the nest. No others were left. The box contained 402 cherry stones. In 2003 starlings occupied the box again. The box was empty on 31 May. Box empty in 2004. Box occupied by starlings in 2005 and 2006. On 5 May 2006 three starlings were born. On 26 May I was lucky to see the first starling leaving the box. See picture of juvenile starling on the roof. I renovated the box a bit in 2007. A common redstart occupied the box in 2008. Probably still breeding on 25 May. I did not want to disturb. On 26 April 2009 breeding starling, see picture of nest with eggs. On 3 May 2009 both parents were feeding. Picture 3 May 2009. In 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 starlings again. On 2 March 2014 I saw a starling with nesting material in its bill. In 2017 the box wasn't used. On New Year's Day 2018 I decided to remove the old box as I was afraid it was not safe anymore. The box was replaced by box no. 6. The box is occupied by squirrels. In 2022 starlings built a nest.

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