I was told that netting must be placed around the tops of tree tubes because it is the law in Wisconsin when I purchased tree tubes. Several types of netting that come with the tubes are made of such a poor quality that once exposed to the elements, they disintegrate within a year. I have over 1000 tubes on my property and check to make sure that they are present throughout the year. The tubes were renetted after their first year in place with a higher quality netting made in the states. The blue netting that came with the more expensive vented tubes was of very poor quality. Often, I have found tufted titmice nesting in the larger diameter tubes when the netting has fallen off. They are able to fly out of these tubes. I also would cut a hole down lower on the tube so that the fledglings could fly out easily, but risk the danger of predators, such as mice, snakes, or ants. Last year some chickadees nested in a tree tube with a nest wedged against a small tree growing out of the tube. The young were preyed upon, probably by a snake. I was able to save one hatchling and relocate it under the parents watchful eyes. Tree tubes can cause a lot of problems, not only with birds using them, but they also create their own microclimate. It's the price we pay for reforestation in areas where there is heavy deer, mice, and rabbit browse. A sapling may cost a dollar, then a good tube etc. costs about $5.00. Then you are lucky if the tree survives because as soon as it surpasses the tube, the deer eat the top and the rabbits and mice chew at the bottom. Finally, they need to be checked on a regular basis to make sure that they haven't fallen off. Most people put them up and never check them again until they see the sapling grow above the tube. Martin Murphy Ferryville Wisconsin W. Crawford County Mississippi River Bluffs #################### You received this email because you are subscribed to the Wisconsin Birding Network (Wisbirdn). To UNSUBSCRIBE or SUBSCRIBE, use the Wisbirdn web interface at: //www.freelists.org/list/wisbirdn To set DIGEST or VACATION modes, use the Wisbirdn web interface at: //www.freelists.org/list/wisbirdn Visit Wisbirdn ARCHIVES at: //www.freelists.org/archives/wisbirdn