Choosing a Nest Box
One of the ways of attracting birds into your garden is by installing a nest box.
In urban areas many traditional nesting sites for birds are disappearing as old buildings are knocked down or repaired and trees are felled so by providing a bird box you will be giving birds a safe place to bring up their young as well as shelter in winter.
There are many different styles of bird boxes to choose from and you will want one that not only fits in with the design of your garden but attracts birds that live in the vicinity.
The most common material for bird boxes is wood and choose one made from a hard wood such as oak or beech which will last a lot longer than a box made from a soft wood such as pine.
You could also choose a bird box made of an insulating material such as Woodcrete which is a special mix of wood and concrete.
The wood should be about 2cm thick and treated with a non-toxic preservative.
Ensure the box has ventilation and drainage holes so that there is a fresh supply of air.
The size of hole is important - it should be as small as possible for the type of birds you want to attract; any larger and your bird box could be vulnerable to predators.
If you want to attract robins they prefer an open-fronted nest box and you can buy special bird boxes designed for this purpose.
The bird box should be big enough to ensure that there is enough room for a clutch of eggs and when the chicks are born that they don't suffocate each other.
Larger birds such as owls will need larger boxes.
Don't choose a bird box with a perch as not only is it unnecessary but predators such as squirrels may use the perches to cling on to and take the eggs or baby chicks inside.
Don't choose a bird box that is incorporated into a bird table as you will find that there is conflict between nesting and feeding birds.
Once you have chosen your bird box you will need to install it securely.
Many bird boxes have hanging cords or brackets fitted to them, otherwise you will need to make your own.
By providing a safe home for birds you will see breeding birds return to your garden for many years to come to bring up their families.
In urban areas many traditional nesting sites for birds are disappearing as old buildings are knocked down or repaired and trees are felled so by providing a bird box you will be giving birds a safe place to bring up their young as well as shelter in winter.
There are many different styles of bird boxes to choose from and you will want one that not only fits in with the design of your garden but attracts birds that live in the vicinity.
The most common material for bird boxes is wood and choose one made from a hard wood such as oak or beech which will last a lot longer than a box made from a soft wood such as pine.
You could also choose a bird box made of an insulating material such as Woodcrete which is a special mix of wood and concrete.
The wood should be about 2cm thick and treated with a non-toxic preservative.
Ensure the box has ventilation and drainage holes so that there is a fresh supply of air.
The size of hole is important - it should be as small as possible for the type of birds you want to attract; any larger and your bird box could be vulnerable to predators.
If you want to attract robins they prefer an open-fronted nest box and you can buy special bird boxes designed for this purpose.
The bird box should be big enough to ensure that there is enough room for a clutch of eggs and when the chicks are born that they don't suffocate each other.
Larger birds such as owls will need larger boxes.
Don't choose a bird box with a perch as not only is it unnecessary but predators such as squirrels may use the perches to cling on to and take the eggs or baby chicks inside.
Don't choose a bird box that is incorporated into a bird table as you will find that there is conflict between nesting and feeding birds.
Once you have chosen your bird box you will need to install it securely.
Many bird boxes have hanging cords or brackets fitted to them, otherwise you will need to make your own.
By providing a safe home for birds you will see breeding birds return to your garden for many years to come to bring up their families.
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