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 STRUCTURE | INSTALLATION DETAILS | COST |
Wood Duck Box | Installed on post with predator guard Uninstalled, box only | $155 $90 |
Osprey Platform | Installed on galvanized pole in water. (CWH submits permit application and completes follow-up) Installed on galvanized pole on land or piling | $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 Box | Installed on post with predator guard | $125 |
| Flying Squirrel Box | Installed on a tree in woodland | $100 |
| Great-crested Flycatcher Box | Installed on a tree in woodland | $100 |
Predator Guard for 4 x 4 post | 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.