Mount nesting boxes early in the spring, males begin arriving in mid-March. Use a U-bolt or a pipe clamp so height and direction can be varied. The base of the nesting box should be approximately 4-5 feet above the ground. Where raccoons are common, cover the metal pipe support with a thick layer of grease. Face the opening of the nest box away from prevailing wind and towards a tree or shrub 25 to 100 feet away if possible.
Fledglings leaving the nest can use it as a landing area.
On a trail, locate the nesting box pairs a minimum of 100 yards apart from the adjacent pair. Locate nest boxes only in ideal places. Ask the permission of landowners. Clean out old nesting material from previous year in the spring. Regrease sections of metal pipes supporting boxes periodically.