Treecreeper nest boxes

[Birds&Bees]

Did anybody see the article about Treecreeper nest boxes in the CJ/BTO Garden BirdWatch magazine? I have a Treecreeper in some conifers near me and I was wondering whether I should put up a nest box. Is it too late? I'd appreciate some advice.

The tit nest box I bought from CJs has been visited regularly by one (or possibly more) Blue Tits all winter. I thought that it/they were nesting early but a quick check of the box showed that it was still empty. Any ideas why the birds are visiting the box? I've not noticed this behavior before now.

[Whitezombie]

They are probably checking out all available holes/nestboxes just as we view a number of houses before deciding wich one to buy.

they may also use the boxes for roosting during these cold nights.

I put up a new box a couple of weeks ago and had only walked in from the garden before a pair of blue tits checked out this new home.

[lucca4u]

The birds may just be checking it out for food, or may use it as a roost while it is cold, it has also happened in my area.

[adhb13]

Lots of birds use nestboxes to roost in during the winter. We have occasionally seen a treecreeper entering a batbox in our garden to roost over several winters. Wrens will often make use of treecreeper box to roost in groups over winter to keep warm - so even if you don't get a treecreeper nesting in it, you may be providing welcome winter shelter for other birds.

[Jenny]

Didn't respond earlier as thought it was tempting fate! I have seen one treecreeper frequently but irregularly in my jungle but about six weeks ago, saw two regularly. Having consulted a couple of very knowledgeable birdwatchers, was told that they would be a pair and nestsite hunting. We've found where they are nesting and know that this area will be felled for building houses later this year so the ornithologists are coming over to help me locate treecreeper nest boxes sites for next season in the hope that we'll be able to provide alternative accommodation.

I have to apologize to CJs - we have a local nest box building scheme here involving young people who get taught about making and siting nest boxes from our own sustainable woodland, so I'd like to support that first before ordering from CJs.