If you’d like to see a greater variety of birds in your garden, why not introduce a nest box? Not only will you be able to enjoy a great display of different garden birds but you’ll be also helping bird species to find suitable homes in our urban environments.
The best time to introduce a nest box to the garden is before birds begin seeking a comfortable site for the forthcoming winter. After using the box as a roosting site, they may choose to stay and nest there. Be patient though – some species might not look for a nesting site until late winter.
Buying a nest box – You can buy a wide range of nest boxes from garden centres or online. Take a look at the shapes and sizes available as some boxes are specifically designed to attract certain birds. For example, you can find boxes shaped like a natural house martin or swallow’s nest or bigger boxes to attract larger birds.
Sitting your box – It is nice to choose a position where you can easily watch the comings and goings of your visitors, but it’s important to consider the preferences of the particular birds. For example, boxes for some birds should be placed two to four metres high on a post or wall, while boxes for others should be placed under the eaves of your roof. Choose a position where the box isn’t exposed to strong sunlight, high winds or driving rain. Take a look at the flight path the birds are likely to take and ensure there are no obstacles in the way.
Caring for your nest box – It’s important not to disturb birds in the box but once birds have finished using the box (usually in late summer), you can clean it so that it is ready for new occupants the following winter.
It is particularly important to ensure that the box is free from fleas and parasites as these can be damaging for young chicks. After cleaning out the box, you can wash with hot water to ensure that any remaining parasites are killed and then leave to air-dry.
To make your nest box welcoming, place a small handful of clean wood shavings or hay (avoid straw) into the box once it is dry.
It can be upsetting to find dead chicks or unhatched eggs in your nest box but it is common for some eggs to fail to hatch. In fact, some birds lay a large number of eggs to allow for some to fail. Remove unhatched eggs in the box after giving it sufficient chance.
If your nest box is a success, you may decide to add more to your garden and could even install nest box cameras so that you can watch eggs hatch and see the chicks grow.