Though today’s snow fall may not indicate it, Spring has arrived. Don’t believe me. Just ask the birds. Within the last week, I’ve noticed the return of the robins and red-winged blackbirds. Both are looking for places to nest and rear their young. Other migratory birds aren’t too far behind. So if you want to attract birds to your garden, now is the time to setup or clean out your nest boxes (birdhouses).
For those not familiar with nest boxes, nest boxes are designed to provide tree and cliff cavity nesting birds a place to build a nest. A number of bird species build their nests in cavities. These birds include the Eastern Bluebird, Chickadee, House Finch, Northern Flicker, Crested Flycatcher, Nuthatch, Tree Swallow, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina and House Wrens, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, and of course, the Purple Martin. With the loss of habitat, the population of some cavity nesters is declining.
Eastern Phoebes, Robins, and Song Sparrows can also be attracted to nest in your garden by providing them with open front wall boxes or platforms.
The size of the nest box and diameter of the entry hole are important considerations when choosing a nest box. So is the nest box’s location in the garden and height off the ground. Be sure to purchase or build a nest box that meets the requirements of the type of birds you want to attract. Some other things to look out for when selecting a nest box: Choose a box without a finish or one with a non-toxic finish on the exterior of the box only. The box should not have a perch or exterior decoration that could be used by predators to climb onto the box. The box should have easy access to the interior of the box for cleaning and observing the young birds.
For those not familiar with nest boxes, nest boxes are designed to provide tree and cliff cavity nesting birds a place to build a nest. A number of bird species build their nests in cavities. These birds include the Eastern Bluebird, Chickadee, House Finch, Northern Flicker, Crested Flycatcher, Nuthatch, Tree Swallow, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina and House Wrens, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, and of course, the Purple Martin. With the loss of habitat, the population of some cavity nesters is declining.
Eastern Phoebes, Robins, and Song Sparrows can also be attracted to nest in your garden by providing them with open front wall boxes or platforms.
The size of the nest box and diameter of the entry hole are important considerations when choosing a nest box. So is the nest box’s location in the garden and height off the ground. Be sure to purchase or build a nest box that meets the requirements of the type of birds you want to attract. Some other things to look out for when selecting a nest box: Choose a box without a finish or one with a non-toxic finish on the exterior of the box only. The box should not have a perch or exterior decoration that could be used by predators to climb onto the box. The box should have easy access to the interior of the box for cleaning and observing the young birds.
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