Ground Climbing Predator Baffle

Instructions and artwork reprinted by permission from Enjoying Purple Martins More
authored by Richard Wolinski and published by Bird Watcher's Digest Press

Baffle Design by Ron Kingston
Illustration by Julie Zickefoose

A martin's-eye-view of a raccoon and the stovepipe baffle pole mount. The slick metal baffle wobbles on the pole preventing the raccoon from climbing to the box. The mesh inside the baffle keeps snakes from slithering up the pole.

How to Make This Baffle

Materials used:
galvanized pipe 3/4" inside diameter
strapping brackets
weatherproof screws (to mount box to pole)
hardware cloth (1/4" mesh)
machine screws with nuts
hanger iron (in two 7" strips)
galvanized stovepipe (24" x 7")

With tinsnips, cut the hardware cloth into a circle 8 inches in diameter. Place it over the stovepipe, bending the edges down so that it will fit snugly into the pipe, about an inch down from the top (A). Close any gaps between hardware cloth and stovepipe, otherwise snakes may squeeze through.

Next, use tinsips to cut three tabs (B) in the top of the stovepipe. Bend these over the hardware cloth. Cut a small hole in the middle of the cloth to allow the assembly to slip over the box mounting pipe.

Bolt the two strips of hanger iron (C) securely on either side of the mounting pipe and bend them to support the hardware cloth. Duct tape wrapped around the pole helps hold the hanger iron in place. Slip the assembled baffle over the hanger iron bracket just below the nest box. It should wobble a little, which further discourages climbing predators.

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