Nest Boxes

Who lives in a box like this?

Before you put up a nest box, you should think about what species you are likely to attract.  While blue tits are amongst the most frequent species to make use of a new home a wide variety of species from nuthatches to barn owls and starlings to goldeneye have all been known to breed in boxes!

The 2 most common boxes on offer are the open front and traditional nest box (the one with a small hole in the front).  Below we've listed which species might make use of each type.

 

 

 

 

 

Where do I put my box?

Traditional nest boxes for species such as blue tits and great tits ideally need to be fixed between 2 - 4m high up a tree or wall, although boxes fixed lower are occasionally used.  Being so high up offers plenty of protection from predators and is more in keeping with where the species would nest in natural sites.  Unless the box is under a dense tree canopy which offers alot of protection, its best to face your box between north and east as this will offer the best protection from direct sunlight and the prevailing wind.

Open fronted boxes for species such as robins need completely the opposite!  For robins, put your box below 2m in dense vegetation to offer a secret hideaway.  Although the species likes to be tucked away, it also likes a clear view to spot any approaching dangers.  If you're lucky enough to have spotted flycatcher in your area, the box also needs to be in dense vegetation but much higher up, between 2 - 4m.

 

Birdy Big Brother!

Once your nest box is in place, keep an eye on it from the end of February when most species will start investigating the new addition to your garden.  As the spring progresses watch out for  adult birds carrying in nesting material and eventually food to feed their hungry offspring.  But despite the temptation to sneak a peak at what's going on in the 'house', keep your distance and wait for the young to fledge and explore your garden!

If your box is used, why not take a picture of the residents from a safe distance so as not to disturb them and then upload them to our Flickr group, share them on our Facebook page or tweet them on Twitter?  We can't wait to see what's happening!