Adding a nest box to your backyard is a great way to introduce your family to nature and help birds. But does your nest box have what it takes to be successful?
Whether you purchase your nest box from a retailer or build your own, here are three things you should look for:
1.5” Diameter Entrance Holes
The standard bluebird entrance hole is 1.5” in diameter. This allows access for many species of native cavity-nesting birds, but is too small for the nonnative European starling.
Nest boxes can be customized for smaller birds like chickadees and wrens with a smaller entrance hole. Chickadees can fit in a 1 1/8” diameter entrance hole, while wrens need a 1 ¼” diameter entrance hole.
Predator Guards
While nests built in a natural cavity or birdhouse are more concealed than those built in the open, they are still subject to predation. Give the nest protection from the raccoon or feral cat trying to reach into the nest through the entrance hole by adding a predator guard.
Drill the appropriate-sized hole for your nest box in a piece from a 1”X6” board and attach it over the original entrance hole. Flashing or metal cones can be added to the nest box pole for further protection.
A Side or Top Door
Keep in mind that you’ll need to access the inside of the nest box to monitor native songbird nesting attempts, remove nonnative house sparrow nests, and clean out nesting material before the start of the nesting season.
Boxes with top doors are easier to monitor. Boxes with side doors make cleanup after nesting season easier.
Celebrate your love for songbirds by installing a nest box on your property.
Though temperatures often drop below freezing in mid-February, eastern bluebirds and other cavity-nesting songbirds may start defending their territories and choosing this season’s mates as early as Valentine’s Day. Adding a nest box on Feb. 14 is a great way to kick start their nesting season and show your love for these songbirds.