Let’s clear things up a bit; this blog is less Barry White, candles and rose petals and more Bill Oddie, nestboxes and top tips for helping the bird population…
These days, there is a noted lack of natural nesting spots for birds; parks and gardens are tidier, we are building on what were once green spaces, and modern homes and sheds rarely offer a secluded nook or cranny that nesting birds can take advantage of. This, in turn, means that bird numbers are dwindling.
Thankfully, while human interference can cause harm, we can also offer a lot of help. As with many wildlife issues, this can be done right from where you are: your garden! (Or even your window sill or a shared public outdoors space!)
Nestboxes are a great way to support local birds, which is why we come together to celebrate and promote them each year during Nestbox Week from the 14th -21st February. This way, you can give birds a safe space to raise their chicks away from bad weather and predators. Different birds require different nestboxes, especially when it comes to the entrance hole. For example, tits, sparrows, and nuthatches prefer a smaller entrance – different sized small holes suit different sized birds, for example, great tits need larger holes than blue tits as they are bigger birds. Robins and wrens like to incubate their eggs in open-fronted nestboxes.
This is part of the reason why nestboxes come in many shapes and sizes, but they are easy to make if you fancy a crafting project. Otherwise, we have a couple nestboxes for you right here at Nourish Flourish UK; the Wildlife Nest Pouch, the Acorn Nestbox, and the Natural Trust Birch Bird Box.
Your nestbox questions answered
Where should I put my nestbox?
I know it’s tempting to put your nestbox in a spot where you can watch everything happen, but remember that the aim is to provide a safe space for our feathery friends. Choose a spot that is secluded (in a shrub/tree, close to a wall, etc.), while still making it possible for you to easily reach to clean and maintain the box. Baby birds can die if nestboxes over heat, it’s better to place it in a shady spot with plenty of cover for the birds to use as hiding places to avoid detection by predators.
If you have more than one nestbox, leave enough space between them so as not to incite neighbourly squabbles, and don’t place them close to a bird feeder! Birds like a bit of privacy when they’re nesting, they won’t settle where there is lots of activity, including that from other birds – they don’t want any attention on their brood.
How should I place it?
Height isn’t too important, though it’s preferable to position it at least 1m above the ground, making it more difficult for cats to reach. Felines still might lie in wait for birds to exit the nestbox, it’s an easy meal, so please be mindful of that threat… Crucially, you need to ensure the entrance faces a north, east or north easterly direction to keep the worst of wind and rain at bay. This also keeps the chicks cooler as the sun won’t be shining directly into it – please see above.
How do I secure it and keep critters out?
Securing a metal plate around the entrance hole can keep out squirrels and other critters determined to widen the hole for either their use or to predate the eggs/chicks Corvids and woodpeckers will raid nests as well.
How do I maintain my nestbox(es)?
Regularly check the security of the fittings, especially before/after bad weather. Before a new breeding season kicks off, make sure all your boxes are clean and ready for new use. You can start cleaning your boxes around late September to February. Use gloves to get rid of old nests and a stiff-bristled brush to get your box nice and sparkly once more.
Is there anything else I should know?
If you are lucky to have a feathery little family being raised in your garden, or anywhere else, then please leave them be. If you want to watch the chicks develop and grow then a nestcam is what you need. These should be included before anyone moves in, failing that then just be content watching from afar. Poking about with a live nest can lead to parents abandoning it or clever corvids, like magpies and jays spotting you and ultimately preying on the chicks.
