Tree hollows are cavities or holes that form in trees over time. These hollows can range from small nooks and crannies to large cavities for a person to stand in. Tree hollows are essential for various reasons, most notably for the birds and animals that use them for shelter and nesting.
Tree hollows are formed through a variety of natural processes. The most common way for tree hollows to start is through decay. As trees age, their branches and trunks become weak and rot. This process can take many years, but eventually, a hole will form in the tree, creating a tree hollow.
One of the main reasons that tree hollows are so important for birds and animals is that they provide shelter and a place to nest. Many birds, such as parrots and cockatoos, rely on tree hollows for nesting sites. These hollows offer a safe and protected space for the birds to lay their eggs and raise their young. In addition to providing a place to nest, tree hollows offer a safe place for birds and animals to roost and sleep at night.
Due to more and more old-growth forests being cleared and fewer hollow branches available, Earth Fix put in 13 nesting boxes for the native birds and animals in the area.
These are cyplas boxes that will last 30+ years, built and installed by Hollow Log Homes
- 2 x Small Parrot
- 1 x Crimson Rosella
- 1 x Tree Creaper
- 1 x Front Entry Sugar/Squirrel Glider
- 1 x Pardalote
- 2 x Double Chambered Micro Bat
- 1 x Owlet-Nightjar
- 1 x Kookaburra
- 2 x Possum
- 1 x Sugar/Squirrel Glider – Rear Entry
Still to come – Large Owl/Cockatoo and Barn Owl, which require specialist climbers to get high up in the trees.
This time next year, we will do a full report with pictures and video to see what has moved into the new homes.
Even though we have planted more than 11,000 trees in this area, it will take 50 to 100 years for them to grow large enough to establish hollows. So these nesting boxes are the perfect addition to help the native birds and animals flourish while the old growth forest has time to re-establish itself.
