There is an Alder tree in the corner of my garden and its making a good job of providing nest sites for birds. last year I saw two sets of birds using it, a pair of Starlings and Jackdaws in a Tawny Owl box round the back. This year there is two Starling nests, another species in the Swegler nest box, probably Great Tits, nothing in the Tawny Owl box (I think) and then the other day a female Mallard contemplated using the hole that is or was being used by one of the pairs of Starlings.
One of the Starling nest sites, a cavity caused when a branch broke off the tree. this was used by Starlings last year too.
The Swegler brand nest box that was put up last February and not used last year. This year something is using it, but I'm not sure what species.
Below are photos of the Mallards investigating the Starling nest site. I think perhaps the female was looking for a safer place than would be a ground nest site as there are a lot of cats and at least one fox using the area. The male Mallard is standing on a branch on the right hand side of the tree.
