Tree creepers prefer to build their nest in contact with the trunks of trees. For this reason, the Schwegler box is open at the rear (the tree side) to encourage nesting and to allow the birds to search amongst the bark cracks for prey. The entrance holes have been specially designed to provide excellent protection against cats and martens.
There are two types of tree creeper boxes; 2B and 2BN. For best results, the boxes should be hung on trees with coarse bark, such as oak, alder, pine, poplar, pear or apple. Ideally choose trunks with a diameter of 25 to 30 cm. Depending on regional conditions, occupancy rates between the 2B and 2BN may differ. We therefore recommend that you begin using the same number of both types, and after one or two breeding seasons it should then be apparent which design is most preferred by the tree creepers.
2B nest box (with removable front panel) Allows for easy inspection and cleaning. It is attached to the tree trunk using two aluminium nails and two mounting blocks (supplied with the box).
2BN nest box The brood chamber in this box is slightly higher with a smaller diameter than the 2B. This allows it to be lifted cleanly away from the tree trunk for inspection and cleaning. The box rests on one aluminium nail, and is supported by a coated wire (supplied with the box). A foam seal pressing into the bark prevents water entering the box.
Both the 2B and 2BN nest boxes are classic brown in colour and come with all the fixing attachments required.
For top tips on making your nest box a success, see our blog on Five FAQs About Attracting Birds to Your Nest Box.
Both boxes are made with Schwegler Wood-concrete. Schwegler nests will last at least 20-25 years and are readily adopted by birds. This means several decades of breeding success in real life conditions. These nest boxes have been developed in close collaboration with leading ornithologists, nature conservation organisations, Government conservation agencies and forestry experts, and are backed up by decades of experience and knowledge. They are made of a unique wood-concrete material, an entirely natural product consisting of 75% wood and various additives to compensate for climatic changes. This provides insulation against temperature fluctuations, allows air to pass through the walls, and prevents the formation of condensation which often occurs in nest boxes made of plastic, stone or entirely of concrete. This material is also much longer lasting and weather-resistant than wood, and is strong enough to withstand the attention of woodpeckers.
In each nest box the size of the brood chamber, diameter of the entrance hole and many other features have been adapted to the needs and behaviour of the animals themselves. Experiments by bird protection organisations worldwide have demonstrated that the highest density of bird populations (i.e., breeding pairs per hectare) is achieved with Schwegler nest boxes.
Schwegler nest boxes have been officially recognised and approved by the following organisations and numerous others worldwide:
German Federal Biological Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (BBA)
German Nature Protection Association (NABU)
Bavarian Regional Association for the Protection of Birds (LBV)
German Environmental Protection Association (DUH)
Jordsand, Society for the Protection of Seabirds and Nature
EURONATUR/European Cultural Heritage Foundation
LPO, France
Luxemburg Association for the Protection of Birds and Nature
Blue Bird Association of North America
SEO, Spain
LIPU, Italy
Global Nature Fund
Vogelbescherming, Belgium