Tips About Selecting Bird Houses
Much like many outdoor features in the yard, bird houses too can be artistic as well as functional. They come in many styles, but they’re of little use if they don’t attract the residents they were designed to house. Wild birds can be particularly finicky and, regardless of how delightful these structures may look to a homeowner, if they don’t attract the birds natural to the area they are of little use.
It’s important to remember that cavity-nesting birds, the ones that normally nest in the hollows of trees, will actually use these structures. This is where the type of house becomes important as the wrong style will only prevent your feathery friends from staying around. Just as could be expected, however, just because a structure is designed for a blue bird or wren, doesn’t mean other fowl of equal size won’t be drawn to it.
Generally the size of the hole will determine the size of the birds drawn to a home. For example, 1-1/8 inches across the opening is sufficient to accommodate nuthatches, chickadees, and wrens. On the other hand, 1-1/2 inches wide are perfect for bluebirds, swallows, and purple martins which are all medium size birds. Larger birds are drawn to holes about 2-1/2 inches wide. These would include kestrels and flickers.
Birds prefer to build their own nest with materials found in the wild. If homeowners try to help out by putting wood chips or other materials in the bottoms of the structures they will just take it out before rebuilding with materials they prefer. However, if straw and other materials are left out in the open they may choose to use them to build their nests.
Some predators have more initiative than others. If raccoons and cats are a problem, for instance, mounting houses atop metal poles can provide a solution. Additionally, homes and feeders should be mounted separately. When birds are feeding they have a tendency to be loud and flighty. This can make nesting bird nervous and scare them off. Additionally, when mounted the openings need to be turned away from inclement weather.
For homes which are purchased and come with a perch it’s best to remove it. This is because some fowl like to heckle nesters which will eventually chase them away. The home also needs to be insulated or be made of wood at least one inch thick. Although it used to be common to use plastic milk cartons, this is no longer considered good practice as they have poor ventilation and are usually too weak to support the weight needed. Additionally, they generate heat which can crack delicate eggs or bake newborns.
Contrary to popular belief, bird houses do need to be cleaned between seasons. Therefore, you should have access through the top or side. They also need drain holes in the bottom because, even with shingled roofs, they can leak. For those who wish to draw migratory fowl it’s important to have houses mounted prior to the end of February.
The first step is to decide which types of birds you’d like to have around. The right bird houses will increase the wild life in the backyard as well as the enjoyment you’ll get out of seeing each species arrive. There are many structures available today and, often, the hardest part of the process is choosing between them.
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