How to Mount a Nest Box on a 10 foot telescoping pole made of conduit 2019

[@chrisreed4628]

Thank you, thank you, There are too many well intentioned nest boxes out there, but unfortunately they turn into predator feeding stations. Thank you for your great idea of the telescoping nest pole and for emphasizing the importance of installing a predator guard.Great Work!

[@kristenk7553]

I never comment on youtube videos, but this is perfect. Detailed and clear instructions. Taking care of my birds and backyard critters has gotten me through this year. I'm in the process of making my first owl box. You are making a difference! Thank you!

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Thank you. I really try to be thorough because i hate sloppy videos that waste my time. I'm really proud of this system. No one talks about mounting nest boxes.

[@nitpicker3809]

Jeff Hansen, May God bless you richly for creating this video. A friend gave me two bluebird houses that i want to mount in a way that they and the birds will survive the contingent of squirrels that frequent our yard. I also want to mount a feeding platform on which to place meal worms to feed the birds. I expect your instructions to work without breaking the bank. Because the steps are so detailed and I am not yet using a portable computer, I transcribed your instructions so that I can take a printed copy with me into the garage and the yard to be sure I do everything well. The transcription is in MS Word, which I will send to you after I transcribe "How to Make a Predator Baffle with a Can & a Duct Pipe 2019."

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

This is excellent news. I lost many a bird house to gnawing squirrels but no more. Raccoons and cats and snakes as well. Good luck and good idea. Look forward to transcription.

[@marthazaragoza4385]

Also, thank you for such a detailed video. God bless you.

[@rayb6946]

Great idea for making predator-safe easily inspected bird boxes. I plan to give it a try. Thanks!

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

This is one of my favorite techniques.

[@66lemagnifique]

Brilliant! I could kick myself for not thinking of this on my own. Very detailed and well put together. Thank you!

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

I'm very proud of it. No more wiring about falling from a ladder!

[@calvinjackson8110]

I like this idea. You dont need to get climbing equipment. You can stay safely on the ground and raise and lower the nest box as you please with ease! No strain and no climbing! It's so neat!!

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Thank you so much. I agree. No more climbing with the risk of falling.

[@cindyeasterly1204]

ME TOO!!! Thank you for your detailed training instructions. We have hawks but I think an owl will be helpful too!

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Glad it was helpful!

[@VideoLibraries]

Thank you so much, your video is exactly the information and help that I was looking for! I am a beginner and your step by step instructions will be invaluable. Wish me luck!

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Best to you. Each step is important!

[@kimberlyk4951]

Thank you very much for this. I'm new to birding and I'm putting up my first flicker nest box. For everyone's info, my Lowes wouldn't cut the conduit but the 10ft long conduit fit in my Mercedes coupe fine with the back seat collapsed. Those conduit cutters are really effective and easy to use. The utility companies came out about 3 days after calling 811 and the T Post was super easy to pound into my hard clay soil.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

I really love this comment. You did it all. I bet your car with a piece of conduit was a site! I hope you are successful!

[@bellefancy]

Very informative, to the point and well-executed. Thank you!

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Thank you. My pet peeve are awful videos with too much fluff and little information.

[@cindyvanlaecken5083]

Jeff is my brother! And he has used this method at our farm in SD. Now I put these type nest boxes up in our fence lines. Bluebirds, tree swallows and other birds abound now. I used to struggle with raccoons climbing up and and raiding the nests. This is the perfect way to thwart these predators. Thanks Jeff, your the best!!!

[@rebeccaweaver5523]

Hi Cindy! Jeff's YOUR brother?!?!!!! That's awesome! YES!! I agree..... he's THE BEST!!! I can't begin to tell you how much I've learned from listening to him and watching his videos! I know you love tapping-in on all of his knowledge!!! : )

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Oh yes, I remember how your bluebirds were NEVER successful at nesting because of raccoons. NO MORE. I see nest boxes mounted to fence posts all the time and want to put up a sign "Raccoon Feeder" because that is really what it is. It's probably doing more harm than good.

[@jeffstanley4593]

I have a bluebird house in my backyard that is used every year. The problem is the bluebirds have never raised a brood to completion. Last year they laid and something got the eggs. They laid another batch and this time hatched them and then abandoned them. The chicks died of hunger. They have just begun to rebuild the nest as I threw out the old one. I am going to build your telescoping pole today and hope it does not disturb them. This particular pair have hung around all winter. They have made numerous trips to the box to keep an eye on it. As I said, they have now decided it is time to rebuild. Thanks for the instructions. Oh yeah, the post driver is $75 at Lowes so that is not going to happen. I have a large hammer.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

75 is outrageous. Try a farm store. I think i paid 30. it's possible something they're getting the adult birds. So make sure you have a baffle on the pole.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

I hope you're successful this year. Or should I say I hope the bluebirds are successful.

[@jeffstanley4593]

@@BackyardBirdsUS The bluebirds have laid and are setting. I don't know about these though. I am wondering if they are stupid birds. I wanted to see how the eggs were doing so I walked up to the house from the side and tapped on it 5 or 6 times to scare out any sitters. I did not want a bluebird in the face! Nothing came out so I opened the door and there she sat. I quickly closed the door and still she sat, never left. I did get a pole erected with a baffle as you showed.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

It's so cool when you get to see them close and they won't fly away.

[@jeffstanley4593]

@@BackyardBirdsUS I think a foot and a half is closer than she would have liked. I saw her and it was so shocking that I almost slammed the door down but did not want to rattle her world anymore than I did. On another topic, we have had Carolina wrens nesting in a birdhouse on our back porch for several years. They have not nested yet. They roost under the eaves back there a lot. They are fairly comfortable with us as they know us. When they have nestlings they come and go as though we are not there even though we are less than 10 feet from them. We are hoping that they have not got a nest elsewhere. What do you think? Its not too late for them to nest is it? I don't think so. They actually raised two broods last year.

[@Just_Darlicious]

Really nice presentation! I’m setting my husband on this project, thank you!!

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Fantastic. Hope it goes well.

[@jacquejorns3932]

Jeff, thank you so much for this video and the others related to such! This was the first year I've put up nest boxes (other than one on my fence last year, which the chickadees initially started to build in but then vacated) and I really wanted a safe, sightly and cost-effective way to get them higher off the ground. I made two and immediately had both chickadees and blue birds contending for them! It's been a few weeks and the blue birds are nesting in one with the chickadees in the other. It has been such an awesome experience to watch them use the boxes and I'm just so thankful for your thorough and extremely helpful videos. Most how-to videos do not go into the detail you did regarding items needed and how to put them together and I'm just so thankful that you did because it was the only reason I was successful with it; everything was easy to find and put together. We've had a few severe storms in the area since they've been up and they have withstood such, beautifully. Thank you for your time spent in figuring all of this out and putting it into the ether for everyone!

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Your comment made my day. I try very hard to make useful videos. This method works so well and I've used it so many times. I'm so glad the birds are using your nest boxes and thriving. Nice!

[@deltafour1212]

I'm just letting you know; I am going to "steal" your idea. ;)

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Go for it. This is the best method for mounting bird boxes.

[@iameowyn]

Thank you so much! This is exactly what I was looking for.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Glad to help. I love it. Works incredibly well

[@garypritchard9787]

Wow! Such precise instructions!

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Thank you. That's one of my goals after watching so many lousy videos.

[@syl1085]

This is really well done, outlines everything you need and how to do it. I put up a screech owl box last week, using the Large Box instructions. The only changes I made were these -- I cut my I" conduit into 2 five-foot lengths instead of four pieces. Used a five-foot length of 1" and a 5 foot length of 3/4" conduit. Used 2 hose clamps instead of one. I also found I needed a 2 1/2" bolt (instead of 2-inch) to attach through the back of the owl box at the top of the conduit , in order to have enough threads to attach the nut. Since I had leftover materials (and a new post pounder), I put up another telescoping pole. This one has a winter roosting box which I will convert to a bluebird box in the spring.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Your post made my day. I sure hope you get screech owls. I have yet to have them nest in a box successfully. Very important to have a predator baffle. Thanks so much.

[@littlejimmyjingles]

Great modification. I was thinking of putting up a screech owl nest box but was worried that the owls would eat the songbirds I am also trying to attract. What are your experiences regarding this?

[@gaimelenable]

great video i was searching for a wifi pole and this was so useful and you give me good ideas for making it well explained no annoying music and direct to the grain thanks

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Thank you. I find music to be the ultimate in annoying. I've only done it in my trailer. Thanks for the comment. glad to help.

[@aknina51]

Great video and simple to understand instructions!

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Thank you so much

[@butchgreene]

My dad just sinks two posts with about 3 feet above ground then runs a bolt through a pole betwwen them at the 3 foot mark and a hole at the base. Unbolt the bottom bolt and pivot the full length pole to the ground. Only checks them in winter when birds have moved on.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Nice. I like the telescoping pile for monitoring

[@kathleenlaber3208]

Oh my gosh Jeff, this is so great!!! My husband just made one for me and I absolutely love it!! I can’t believe how easy you made it!! Now I’m just waiting for a Van Ert sparrow trap. I had a lovely nest of bluebirds and the male sparrow poked holes and threw out all of the eggs on Mother’s Day no less! I was heartbroken... I had two successful broods last year. 10 little bluebirds altogether. Gonna get that nasty little sucker! Thanks again!!❤️

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Good luck. Hope you have success. And thank you for the kind words. You are awesome.

[@ilikewrens]

Thanks, very useful video

[@ThereIsNoLord]

This video should have 20x the number of views. I love it. It makes a project like putting up a bunch of nest boxes actually attainable. I notice in your other videos, you are using a can alone as a baffle. Have you determined the extra long pipe is unnecessary for the baffle to function as intended?

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

I used the can to keep squirrels from chewing up my nest boxes. Once a bird is nesting I put the long baffle on. Fyi. I love all your comments!

[@gloriadumas1100]

I definitely subscribed Thank you, thats Awesome..I've never seen anything like this ❤.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Thank you so much. It really is smart. I'm so happy I'm not climbing ladders to check nest boxes.

[@justinsvideo]

Such an excellent super-helpful video. Thanks!

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Thank you so much. Took me years to perfect but it isa wonderful system

[@Lynda-Bradley]

awesome job

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Thank you

[@_ozz]

Fantastic instructional video, thank you! Do you know how these will do in very high winds, and/or do you have any tips for reinforcement in that context? I live below a mountain pass and regularly have high winds, occasionally hit hurricane force. I don't think the box would make it if I left it extended, but if I telescoped it down on the bad days, do you think that would be too disruptive if it was in use at the time?

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

I think you would be okay to lower it in high winds. I have had some bend in high winds so i switched to larger conduit. The birds will be fine if you lost the box.

[@_ozz]

@@BackyardBirdsUS thank you for taking the time to reply!

[@OutLan]

I tried to do this with bat boxes, and after watching this realized I was doing it all wrong. Thanks for this video!

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

I'm so glad the video helped! Great news. Thanks.

[@cgmejia]

did you have luck with a bathouse on a pole? I'm considering this but but wondering if 10ft may be too low, and making it higher may be too flimsy. Any advice?

[@stevekain5202]

Great idea! Do you find with larger boxes the T-post is enough to anchor? Or, do you suggest cement in the base. I'm planning on a large barn owl box

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Very good question. The barn owl boxes are heavy and i had one on three quarter conduit and it bent it in high winds. But i think 1 inch conduit would support it. The t post seems quite sturdy. I want to mount a barn owl box in a building. Good luck

[@314Tazo]

I use rebar inserted into the pipe. Ram the rebar into the ground 1' to 2'.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

I used to do that but like this method better because I can use it for heavier boxes.

[@billpawlicki6126]

Just found you today when researching Chicagoland Starlings after watching a recent WATOP vid. Subscribed! Jeff, I’m curious why you specify adding the down tube after nesting begins. Why not just leave it permanently and save the hassle?

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

I think i added predator guards after nesting started because i didn't have enough for each pole. It would be best to have a guard on each pole but many I use just to trap starlings. You never know who is going to nest where.

[@katemaceda2747]

Fantastic videos! Thank you. I am interested in trying to make this for the winter roosts for some of my backyard birds in VT. I was trying to take detailed notes on the steps. Do you have the steps listed? And what do you consider a large birdhouse vs a small one so as to know which hardware to use?

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

I consider a bluebird house small. Anything bigger should probably use the bigger conduit.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

I don't have the steps listed. But you can pause the video as you are working!

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Thank you for the comments. I think it will work great for roosts.

[@barbarahenry3698]

Hello. I am in the windy northwest corner of Iowa. I am interested in making a telescoping pole for a Purple Martin house. Would the sizes listed for a large box be strong enough for a medium size martin House?

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

I don't think it would. But I guess it depends on weight of martin house. I haven't figured out the best method for martins other than buying a pole.

[@robertdooley4109]

Jeff, that’s a great idea and an informative video on how to implement the idea! Thanks for the information. It seems much more cost effective than commercially available telescopic poles. 👍

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

The cost effective part is important when you are putting up multiple nest boxes. No one should ever put up just one box. I wish someone had taught me this years ago...but I hope my videos help others.

[@cindyeasterly1204]

We have black locust trees on our property here in western ny. Would it be ok to attach pole with nest box to the trunk?

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

The problem with attaching to trees is squirrels climb the trees and use or destroy the bird houses.

[@irondave103]

Are you using rigid? Emt

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Yes I am. It will bend but not easily.

[@rebeccaweaver5523]

WOW!!! This is such a great video, Jeff!!! Your instructions are spot-on, and perfectly explain how to carry out each step along the way!! Very informative!! I do have one question while I have your attention.... *chuckle-chuckle* My question is... awhile back, you advised me on how to send a personal question to you concerning my bluebirds and the problems I was having with house sparrows. I have an additional question for advice. Could you remind me again, how to contact you? Thank you

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Do you want to ask your question here or via email? There is an email listed on the About page of my channel if you prefer to contact me that way. THANK YOU for the kind words. I so need to hear that because I put in so much effort on these videos. Thank YOU SO MUCH. You are the best.

[@rebeccaweaver5523]

That's great, Jeff!! I'll go to your ABOUT page and send you an email. Thank you! @@BackyardBirdsUS

[@Stevelemontrudy]

Could you explain why, and what angle you drive the fence post?

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

I've never measured the angle. I just like to lean the pole in the direction the the nest box faces. It makes it easier for the birds to exit and keeps rain out. I learned this from looking at natural cavities of woodpeckers. Often they are on trees than lean. They are always on the leaning side.

[@Stevelemontrudy]

@@BackyardBirdsUS That's really cool. Thanks for the response.

[@mattsdmf367]

Thank you so much for this video. I’m planning on making a screech owl nesting box this weekend. Would you recommend cementing the base into the ground, or does it seem steady enough on its own?

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

I find that it's plenty steady. And what I like about using a T post is you can easily move the nest box which I've done multiple times. If you use concrete it's kind of permanent.

[@paulmcgrath4945]

Nice video

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Thanks. I think this has helped a lot of people.

[@lizafield9002]

Great job. Whew, it'll take me days to figure all this out, obtain all these tools-i-don't-have, & getter done for 6 tree swallow boxes, but I'm desperate. Big black snakes & a black bear do a # on the baby bluebirds & eggs here aling a creek in the Appalachian mtns.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Glad to hear and help. I think of you put up one box it's worth it to be able to do this for more boxes. Everyone should have multiple boxes. I also find myself moving boxes.

[@ArtofAGeniusMind]

Hi Jeff this was so great.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Thank you. It took years to come up with this but it sure is a good affordable system.

[@lauries.4454]

The videos that you have created are so helpful, detail oriented, and explanation the reasons for everything. Thank you for all your hard work and effort. You are a great teacher! Is there any way I can attach two birdhouses to one pole? I live in a condo association, and two yellow breasted wrens have built a nest in between my columnar cactus by my front door. The worked so diligently twig by twig, so I reinforced it with green, stretchy plant tape, winding back and around the different stems of cactus. I live in Phoenix, and these birds will cook in the AZ sun. I bought two birdhouses and would like to know how to attach them to one conduit pole. I can't have 10 foot of conduit pole, but I had one piece cut at 8'. I see that you secure it into the ground differently, which a steel T-post. I have ADHD and am hoping that I can do this myself, with the excellent help of your video. Did you say you provided a list of materials below? Thank you for helping individuals increase the bird population in declining areas.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Thank you. I try to make them so they are useful and not full of fluff. I am not sure about attaching two to one pole. It would be heavy. Plus most birds don't want a neighbor that close.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

I'm not sure your wren's would use a bird house. I would leave them where they are. They are dessert birds that are adapted to the heat. I wonder which species of wren they are. Is there a cactus Wren?

[@lauries.4454]

@@BackyardBirdsUS They have built their nest in between three columnar cactus, but no, they don't look like cactus wrens. I won't move their nest. I reinforced the nest with green, stretchy plant tape, weaving it back and forth between the three cactus, under and around the nest. I'm concerned that they will bake in the hot morning sun. I was going to add a nestbox (maybe two) on your telescopic pole, if I can manage one myself. I need to watch your video again, to make a materials list, and head back to store. I can add the nest box on the pole, and perhaps add some solar screening on the side, to further block the sun. My maintenance man told me where I can install the conduit pipe safely into the ground, near my corner wall. These are either a Bewick's wren or a house wren, I believe. Response from Cornell Lab, Project Assistant: dated March 2, 2022: Thanks so much for writing! Birdhouses will only attract species which nest inside cavities (or deep in nooks and crannies). Three species of wren are known to be attracted to nest boxes: Bewick’s Wrens, House Wrens, and Carolina Wrens. Because you’re in Arizona, this limits it to just Bewick’s and House Wrens, though Rock Wrens, Canyon Wrens, and Cactus Wrens are also possible species for your area (less likely but still possible are Marsh and Winter Wrens). You can view all members of the wren family on this page - click a name to learn more about that species. Usually, if a bird is building a nest cup out in the open (as yours is in the cactus) - as opposed to one that’s hidden and tucked away, then they are not cavity-nesters and so will not be attracted to nest boxes. The nest you photographed is not typical of wrens, but wrens are one of the species that is quite versatile, so it’s not impossible. If you get a better photo of this bird, please feel free to share it and I can help determine the species to better advise on nesting habits. End email. I am not able to photograph them without my security door in the way. They come about at a moment's notice, and flit away. Sorry that this is so long. I'm pretty overwhelmed on how to proceed. I can go with the nestbox, at least one, and see if they take to it. Next, on to make a telescopic pole! I'll be back soon. Thanks, Jeff! I appreciate your comments. Laurie

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

I think you can't go wrong putting up a nest box on a pole. But it's very unlikely they will move their nest.

[@lauries.4454]

@@BackyardBirdsUS Okay. I understand. My hope is that if I can get my nest boxes up and installed on a pole, perhaps they will decide to move over a few feet, themselves, before they lay their eggs.

[@ralphcarotenuto]

I have a 35 lb northern flicker box that I want to mount. Will this system work or do I need to rig a pulley?

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

That sounds way to heavy. But I've never weighed mine. Mine is about half that weight. I think you need a pulley or a very heavy wooden pole with baffle.

[@allancrumes3670]

Very well presented and great information. Many thanks!

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Thank you so much

[@bartk85622]

Fantastic video Jeff! I can tell that a lot of thought went in to this video before you made it. You covered all the bases, tool, materials, how to and why. The instructions were very easy to follow. I do have a couple of questions, you mentioned "monitoring the nest boxes". Are you monitoring during the nesting process? What are you monitoring for? Can monitoring at the wrong time cause the birds to abandon the nest box? I am impressed, thank you for sharing your experience with us!!!

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Very good questions. It is recommended that you always monitor the birds nesting in your nest boxes....about every 3 to 4 days. The birds really don't mind. Sometimes they don't even leave the box when I open in it. I have a bluebird that does that. Its CRAZY. By monitoring, you can correct problems. For example, one nest box I had was full of ants, another had a paper wasp. One year I had a box that leaked and the nest got wet. I report all my nestings to nestwatch.org!

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Bart, I put too much time into the videos. I must have edited this one about 30 times. I kid you not. I make it and i watch it and see things that are extraneous and need removing....or change the order of things. It's not easy but I think I'm getting better. I think this video had at least 240 clips of images/video and audio.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Some of the shots I must record 10 times before its right. There are so many things that can go wrong.

[@bartk85622]

@@BackyardBirdsUS Your quest for perfection really shows through! I know how much effort you put in to your videos, and I wanted to make sure your efforts were noticed!!!

[@bartk85622]

@@BackyardBirdsUS I for one notice your efforts and I am sure others do as well. Are you getting better? Heck yeah! Even your older videos were good....better than anything I uploaded for sure. One suggestion, please do not make it so much work that it is not fun anymore. I would hate to see you burn out. I would miss the Bird Man of Topeka very much!!!

[@LisaSaffell]

fantastic video and instructions! Thank you

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

I'm glad to help. Thanks for sharing.

[@SKKEarth]

beautiful video

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Glad it helped One of my favorites.

[@dberggmu]

Just curious, how sturdy is this setup? I'm worried it will not stand up to a big storm, but am curious to what your experiences have been. Thanks!

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

I've been using it for s number of years on the plains of South Dakota. It with stand high winds and ice. The only failure is when the bolt comes out. I stayed using a nail instead.

[@dberggmu]

@@BackyardBirdsUS Thanks for the reply. I sincerely appreciate it. I'm going to be putting up two of these this weekend, and will probably go with two bolts and use wing nuts to secure both of them. I'll keep you posted. Thanks again for the great content!!

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

I think bolts are an excellent idea. How exactly will you attach them. I need to do something different.

[@dougreed5034]

You said to pound the T post until the flange is covered. Isn't that only a foot? Is that enough? At HD only 4 foot and 6 foot length kept in stock. I have very bony soil.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

It has worked for me. There are a variety of posts so you may want to drive it ina few more inches but don't think it's necessary. If it can hold a fence with cattle it can hold a bird house.

[@brandnewyorker]

Hi Jeff, PLease can you give us a quick advice if and why is it better to mount Nest boxes on trees or on the telescoping poles Thanks a lot!

[@syl1085]

In my case, mounting a large size box for screech owls on a tree resulted almost immediately in a litter of squirrels in the box. But even if you're using a smaller box, for example for bluebirds, you're exposing the young to predators if you mount on a tree.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

The problem with trees is predators can climb them. Raccoons are notorious for eating contents of a nest box. They eat the eggs, the young, the adults. Snakes can't did the same. Squirrels will chew open the nest box. Putting it on a metal pole with a baffle will prevent climbing predators. It makes a huge difference in success rate of nests.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

I've had squirrels use big nest boxes because they jumped to them from a nearby tree. They are definitely a problem.

[@dustymful]

Thanks very much this is a great video. Based on your level of attention to detail I'm sure you would have mentioned it if it was needed, however I'm just curious does the EMT conduit need to be grounded? Once we put up a pole 15 or 20 ft in the air are we going to create a risk for lightning strikes? Forgive my ignorance on the conductivity of the conduit but I had to ask?

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

I'm sure the conduit would conduct electricity but if it is attached to something in the ground that is metal it should be grounded.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

I've never used conduit for that tall of a pole. But again if it's in the ground it's grounded.

[@debbiekirkland3476]

Great idea! I'm wondering if it would be ok to use 3 sections of pipe to make the nest box 15 feet tall. I'm trying to trap starlings that are pestering my martins and am wondering if the starlings would like an even taller nestbox. My martin house is 20ft high.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

You know, I've considered doing that but I think it might be too flimsy. I'm considering it for martins. But will martins nest at 10 feet? Starlings will definitely come to nesting cavities at 10 feet.

[@marthazaragoza4385]

I could answer this myself but currently as a mom of two babies, im too tired to try 😅. How much did all of this cost you? Im debating whether or not to diy myself or to just buy a preassembled owl post kit i found online.

[@tldiefend1]

new to this but love your videos. really well done. thanks so much

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Thank you TIMES 10. I spend A LOT of time on these how to videos because I want people to be able to actually use them!

[@florriemcginnis2305]

I really like this! I do plan to try to get some put up this way. I did not locate the extended information on how to make the baffle? Am I missing something? I will need this for sure as the area is overrun with squirrels. i did find the link on drilling holes. But not the link for the baffle, nor for the sources of supplies. Thanks.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Florrie, I haven't uploaded the baffle part yet, but I did put the materials in the video description. What's nice is you can make the pole and add the baffle later. I didn't even use baffles originally until the squirrels came and destroyed.

[@viper3636dr]

Awesome video! Thank you!!!

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Thank you so much. Glad it helped.

[@kaytuck9998]

Will this also work for a barred owl nest?

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

I've never done a barred owl nest box. If it's not too heavily it may work. Same size as a wood duck box?

[@penguingineer]

Cool project! Would an adjustable coupling for each pair of conduit sizes be useful for something like this?

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

What do you mean by adjustable.

[@penguingineer]

@@BackyardBirdsUS One which you could loosen and tighten to set the height of the pole.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

It could be. I generally only need one height for the nest box.

[@penguingineer]

@@BackyardBirdsUS Alright, thanks for your reply!

[@lancebaker5445]

WOW! $44.72 for a conduit cutter that I will use maybe three times? Why not a hacksaw or ask the worker at the home goods store to cut one or two conduits? They cut wood for customers, so maybe they will cut conduit also. I would gladly pay a buck or two to get a couple of conduit cut.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

You could use a saw. I like the conduit cutter. I use it often. And if the store will cut it great.

[@debbiekirkland3476]

Would this be too flimsy if I did a three section pole making it almost 15 feet high? I would like to attract starlings in order to trap them in something other than my martin house. I'm thinking they prefer the height. I would set it up near the martin house. If you think this is worth a try, what would be the best house for the starlings? A horizontal box similar to the martin compartments? Or would a bluebird house do? Just brainstorming.

[@debbiekirkland3476]

Oh! I see I already asked that question. Also I just found your starling traping videos. I'm going to watch them. Thaks!

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Ten feet works fine. You don't need to go higher for starlings.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

I hope the videos are helpful.

[@golfergears]

Ever have a bear pull a pole down? I just had a raccoon destroy my blue bird nest on a wooden 4x4 post on a spike. The metal spike must have been rusted because it bent right over. Very depressing seeing that when I woke up. I thought maybe a bear did it because they are always raiding my bird feeders when I forget to bring them in.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

No bears here. I don't know how to prevent bears. I'm surprised a raccoon could do that. There sure are a lot of things that can go wrong.

[@golfergears]

@@BackyardBirdsUS Yeah check the backyard camera and caught the rascal. I thought a bear did the damage so I checked. I put up a telescoping pole like you did. Blue birds did come back and made a nest in it. But we went on vacation a couple of weeks and I never saw the young ones leaving. I Plan on putting 1 or 2 more up this spring. A bunch of them were here two weeks ago. Looked like they got out of here on time. Snow on the ground and 20 degree weather today.

[@MeltersProductions]

Thanks for the education.

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

Thanks. I hope it helps.

[@Buzz31Boy]

How do does this hold up in the wind?

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

I've used for many years in high wind and never had a problem. The boxes will sway in the wind. I sometimes use 2 hose clamps on larger boxes.

[@lindajones5878]

This may seem wonderful from one carpenter with tools but no one has ever offered their services to a 64 yr old disabled lady living in a suburban duplex home who doesn’t have those tools in any way shape or form and my boys are business type so they couldn’t help me either??

[@BackyardBirdsUS]

You can buy a drill a bits for very little