Give a bird a home
14 July 2005
For many birds, a nestbox can provide a safe place to rear their young, away from predators and the other dangers associated with an exposed nest. Putting one in your garden can encourage them in, and some birds (especially Blue tits) are likely to keep coming back year after year. Other birds, such as Swallows and House Martins, along with many species of Bats, are increasingly in need of nestboxes as their natural habitats of abandoned and derelict houses and barns or buildings with roof access are being lost through regeneration, loft conversions and development. Various designs of nestboxes exist for different types of birds, providing enticing homes well-suited to their needs.
Below is a design for a standard nestbox, suitable for many kinds of garden birds, such as Blue tits and Great tits. If the boxes and entrance holes are slightly bigger, sparrows, starlings, and other types of tits may also use it. There are also specially designed boxes for Martins, Swifts, Swallows, Robins, Woodpeckers and even Owls and Kestrels, though it would be better to buy these than try to make them yourself. Many garden centres and pet shops sell a variety of bird boxes and should be able to help you pick the best for your garden.
Wood is by far the best material for a nestbox as it provides insulation from heat and cold. Any wood will do - hardwood will last longer, but softwood is easy to use. Boards that are at least 15mm thick should last reasonably well without warping. You could coat the outside of the box with preservative to help it last longer, though this is not necessary and you must never do this to the inside. A sloping roof is not necessary as you can tilt the box forward slightly to ensure that the rain runs off. A hinged lid is very useful to help with cleaning. You could also drill a few small holes in the base of the box to help prevent the box becoming waterlogged.
The siting of the box is critical. The box should face away from the prevailing wind and direct sunlight, unless you are in a very sheltered area. A position between North and South-east is usually adequate. Boxes shouldn't be placed too near a bird table or feeding ground as birds will be too preoccupied chasing away others from their potential nesting site to actually nest. A height of 3-5m is also ideal as this coincides with most flight-lines and is also safe from predators such as cats. Nestboxes should also be cleaned out every autumn, as the build-up of nest material will eventually make the box unusable.
Finally, keep your eye on the nestbox to ensure that no young birds are still returning to the box to roost before you clean it out for the next season.
Enjoy.
