Supplementing natural nesting sites

CWH’s Nesting Structure program installs artificial nesting boxes and platforms for wildlife species whose natural habitats have diminished or disappeared due to development, farming, or deforestation. For a reasonable fee, CWH installs wildlife nesting structures for Purple Martins, Wood Ducks, Ospreys, Eastern Bluebirds, Owls, Prothonotary Warblers, Great-crested Flycatchers, and Flying Squirrels. All nesting structures are equipped with predator guards. Please note that we will only install nesting structures on your property if we determine it has appropriate habitat. We also strongly encourage landowners to monitor the structures so that non-native species do not use them. Click here for reasons to conduct weekly checks. Our Nest Watch page provides information to help you identify nests you might find in your nesting structure.

CWH also monitors and collects data on Purple Martin nesting systems on the Mid-Shore. Active management of Martin housing provides better control of invasive nonnative European Starling and English House Sparrows, resulting in more successful Martin production. In 2019, 765 chicks were fledged from 35 CWH-monitored houses/gourds, with an average of 22 chicks per house.

The table below outlines the various types of nesting structures that CWH installs, along with related services and repairs. Click on the name of a box to view a larger photo.

Prices vary and are subject to change. For more information and/or to arrange a site visit, call 410-822-5100.

TYPE OF STRUCTUREINSTALLATION DETAILSCOST
Wood Duck Box


Installed on post with predator guard

Uninstalled, box only
$155

$90
Osprey Platform

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Installed on galvanized pole. (CWH submits permit application and completes follow-up)

Installed on galvanized pole (Landowner prepares and submits permit application and follow-up)
$500


$325
Bluebird Box

Installed on post with predator guard

Uninstalled, box only

Option: Sparrow trap for Bluebird box
$100

$25

$20
Kestrel/Small Owl Box
(may be used by Screech Owl)

Installed$155
Purple Martin Housing

* Prices vary depending on the size of the suite and pole, installation, owl guards, pulley, spacers, etc.

* Gourds

$200–$900


$35 each
Prothonotary Warbler BoxInstalled on post with predator guard$125
Flying Squirrel BoxInstalled on a tree in woodland$100
Great-crested Flycatcher BoxInstalled on a tree in woodland$100
Predator Guard for 4 x 4 post

Pred.GuardPVCbluebox
Black PVC material$35
OSPREY NESTING STRUCTURE REPAIRS/SERVICES
Straighten, reinstall, or clean off Osprey nesting structure$50–$75
Remove Osprey platform in the fall and reinstall it in the spring$75 each
Replacement of the galvanized pipe for the Osprey platform$200
Replace existing Osprey pole and platform$300
Platform only$100

Nesting structures are subject to 6% Maryland sales tax. A travel/mileage fee is added to all installations.