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As mentioned in the Marking Hollow-Bearing Tree thread, I use the methods described by Hollow-Log Homes to mount nest boxes ie plastic coated wire (used for clothes lines) with trampoline springs and clamps (to make a loop to hook the spring in), or fencing wire with the end made into a WWWW pattern with pliers after running thru garden hose. Both the spring or W section allows for growth of the tree.
I then have to select a tree which has a suitable limb on the other side to hook the loop around the tree over (to stop the box from sliding the ground like a hula hoop), and hang the box on the opposite side. Of course, this also means the face of the tree opposite said limb must be flat enought to allow the box to sit upright and not slide/tilt to one side, and this may necessitate a shuffle of trees before the right one is found.
While nails would be quicker (either by driving them into the wire loops, or thru that metal band the builders use with holes in it), I don't use them due to the uncertainty on whether poisoning may occur as galvanised (zinc coated) nails have to be used to prevent rust seeing the mount fail and the box fall prematurely (rather than rotting to nothing on the tree 5yrs later). This also may limit the ability to allow for tree growth (should the box last that long).
Anyone working for the RTA will know that they've been rolling out HEAPS (100's) of nestboxes eg for the new sections of the Pacific HW, but I havent seen how these have been mounted. Interestingly, sections of hollow-bearing trees have also been recommended in the SIS/consent conditions to be re-erected. Anyone who's handled a nest box designed for Sugar Gliders let alone a Powerful Owl/Glossy Black Cockatoo box while standing on a ladder knows the danger of handling these heavy and bulky things, let alone a metre of limb or trunk. The mind boggles on the practicality of re-erecting anything more than a short section of limb from this point of view alone, but how does one mount a round limb with the above method? Some innovative looping around each end? Mounting hinges/lynch points to the limb and then attach? If anyone knows, please share.
And also comment on how you erect nest boxes, and the shortcomings/advantages of the method.
For the method I've described above, the main limits are:
- the mounting equipment may be pricey ie springs are not cheap.
- The process is VERY time consuming, and for safety and practicality, takes a minimum of two people.
- Getting nest boxes to any height (the correct height itself also being an issue of debate, as is aspect).
- Requires some leaning out to hook in springs to loops.
- Carrying tall ladders (I use a 6m sliding extension ladder) thru the bush can be hard yakka.
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