Bird Boxes and Nesting

Now is a good time to add to the bird boxes in your garden.

• An open box has most of the front missing to attract Robins, Pied Wagtails, and Redstarts. Place 5′ or higher and close to a hedge.

• With a box containing a small circular hole cut in the front it is the size of the hole that determines which bird is most likely to take up residence.

25 -28 mm for Blue Tits and Great Tits
32 mm for House Sparrows
45 mm for Starlings

• I have a ‘Roosting pocket’ are made from natural materials (coconut fibre), to provide a place for birds, particularly wrens, to shelter.

• The nesting boxes and  pockets are best placed in a quiet, sheltered spot – away from direct sunlight and prevailing winds and rain.

• Owl boxes need to be over 15 feet high like the photograph.

• Hung on a north facing wall or in a shady tree the box will remain cool as the weather warms in the spring.

• It seems obvious to put boxes out of reach of any predators, particularly cats.

• Position boxes away from bird feeders as the nesting pair will be constantly chasing the feeding birds away from their territory!

• If building your own box use untreated wood.