Before the breeding season begins, inspect your nest boxes . Repair damaged ones, and replace irreparable ones. Place your boxes in appropriate habitat. Be patient and wait for the birds to take interest in your nest box.
Check boxes once or twice per week with minimal disturbance to the birds .
Always work quietly and efficiently to minimize stress to the birds. Slowly and quietly open the box, and check the contents. Nest boxes should be checked in the afternoon, since most females lay their eggs in the morning and are absent from the nests in the afternoon. If necessary, observe the box from a distance and approach only when the female leaves the nest to feed. When the young are disturbed during this stage, they leave the nest prematurely.