Mounting Boxes on Poles

How do you mount a nest box on a metal pole?
  • There are several good ways to mount boxes.
  • On this page we'll show you our nest box mounting method.
  • We like it because it holds boxes securely to poles and prevents them from
    slipping down.
  • This method also allows us to remove boxes easily after nesting for cleaning,
    disinfecting with bleach, repair, and off-season storage.

We'll also discuss:
  • When to erect boxes.
  • How high on poles to mount boxes.
  • What direction boxes should face.
  • Perch bars.























  • Materials needed per box:
  • 2 pipe straps (below left), the two hole kind.  Make sure to use only the size
    that fits tightly on your poles.
  • 4 sets machine screws and nuts, plus two washers per set.  
  • We use 8-32 x 1-1/4" screws with matching nuts and washers.
  • 1 small hose clamp (below right).











  • At home drill holes for machine screws in back of box, aligning them so the
    pipe straps will attach as in the picture below.  
  • Make the holes the same size as the screws so the boxes won't be loose.




















  • Insert screws from the inside of the box only, using one washer with each.
  • Add pipe straps, second washers, and nuts.
  • We do the above two steps at home, leaving the spaces between straps and
    boxes open enough so boxes can be slipped easily onto poles in the field.
  • Once a box is positioned on a pole at the desired height and direction the
    straps can be tightened down securely.  We use a very short screwdriver and a
    small wrench for this.

  • To prevent boxes from slipping down poles we attach a hose clamp under each
    box (see below), positioned so the box rests atop the clamp's screw.
  • We use a large screwdriver to tighten the clamp firmly as possible.














When should nest boxes be put up?
  • It's best to have your boxes already up when the swallows begin to return,
    but not absolutely necessary.
  • Tree Swallows return earlier than most spring migrant songbirds.  Exactly when
    differs by region.  Ask local birders for their expected arrival time in your area.  
  • Digging may be hard or impossible in the wet or frozen ground of early spring,
    so you may be forced to wait until conditions improve.
  • The shortage of nest cavities usually means some swallows will still be looking
    for nesting places weeks after most have arrived.  The male swallow below was
    still searching in mid May and claimed this box as soon as it was erected.
  • But your chances for 100% occupancy are better if your boxes are up early.














How high should boxes be mounted on poles?
  • Five and one-half to six feet from ground to entrance hole is a good height.  
    You want to make it hard for predators to jump to boxes.
  • Don't mount boxes any lower even if it means you'll need to step up on
    something to check box contents.  (We bring a dry-wall bucket with us for use
    as a combination stool, seat, and gear carrier).

What direction should boxes face?
  • Experiments have shown that early in the Tree Swallow nesting season boxes
    facing south, southeast or east are preferred, perhaps because these boxes
    are apt to warm up faster and more in the morning.
  • In the second half of the season direction does not seem to effect box choice.
  • Caution: If there's a strong prevailing wind at your project site consider facing
    your boxes away from it, regardless of direction.  

What are the perch-bars (see below) made of and how are they mounted?
  • These bars aren't necessary but, if present, get much use by the swallows.
  • They are easily constructed from two pieces of 1/2" wooden dowel.
  • The lower end is wrapped with duct tape and then twisted by hand into the
    top opening of the metal pole.
  • The duct tape will wad up in the pole, holding the perch-bar in place.
  • Another option is to fasten perch bars directly to boxes.












Click here for Next Step: Predator Protection.








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