Nest Boxes
As the chill of winter gives way to the promise of spring, our gardens become a stage for nature's grand performance. This is the perfect time to clean out and put up nest boxes, creating welcoming spaces for the avian wonders that bring life and melody to our outdoor spaces. In this article, we'll explore the importance of providing nesting opportunities for birds such as blue tits, coal tits, great tits, sparrows, robins, and blackbirds, and offer insights into optimal box placement and maintenance.
- Early Preparation for Breeding Season:
Early spring is a crucial time for many bird species as they begin scouting for suitable nesting sites. By cleaning out and putting up nest boxes now, you're providing garden birds with the perfect canvas to build their homes. Blue tits, coal tits, great tits, and sparrows, in particular, are known to favour holed nest boxes, mimicking natural tree cavities.
- Box Preferences of Different Species:
Understanding the preferences of various bird species is key to successful nest box hosting. Smaller species such as blue tits, coal tits, and marsh tits, for instance, prefer nest boxes with small holes, ideally measuring around 25-28mm in diameter. Slightly larger species such as great tits and sparrows etc require slightly larger entrance holes, typically between 32-35mm.
On the other hand, robins and blackbirds opt for open-fronted nest boxes, providing them with easy access to their nests. These open designs offer a more inviting environment for ground-feeding species, allowing them to come and go freely.
- Ideal Nest Box Locations:
Choosing the right location for your nest boxes is crucial for attracting and protecting nesting birds. Mounting boxes on trees, fences, or walls at a height of around 2-4 meters provides the perfect balance of safety and accessibility. Make sure to position the entrance away from prevailing winds and direct sunlight.
- Avoiding Predators:
Protecting nesting birds from predators is essential for the success of your nest box endeavours. Positioning nest boxes away from overhanging branches or structures that could provide access to squirrels and ensuring they are out of reach of cats are important considerations. Additionally, installing predator guards or baffles can deter climbing predators.
- Spring Cleaning for Nest Boxes:
Before the birds begin their nesting activities, it's essential to give your nest boxes a thorough cleaning, preferably in October/November. Remove any old nesting material, unhatched eggs, or debris. Boiling water can be an effective and safe method to sterilize the box without introducing harmful chemicals. Allow the box to air dry completely before reattaching it. Also, be mindful that birds will also use nest boxes during the winter periods for warmth and protection from the cold harsh conditions.
Conclusion:
By cleaning out and putting up nest boxes now, you're not just enhancing your garden's aesthetic appeal; you're providing a vital service to the diverse bird species that share our outdoor spaces. As the garden transforms into a symphony of bird songs and fluttering wings, take pride in being a facilitator of nature's delicate balance. Embrace this opportunity to create a bird-friendly haven in your backyard and witness the beauty of new life unfold in the coming breeding season. Few things are quite so satisfying as a garden teaming with life!
See our nest boxes here.