Different species of birds like different kinds of locations. For example, if you are looking to attract woodpeckers or nuthatches, you would want to place your bird house on a tree in a wooded area or on a post. Bluebirds, swallows and certain types of wrens would be comfortable in a house hung in an open field or in a large backyard that does not have much vegetation. Robins are attracted to wide wooden ledges with roofs over them that are protected from the wind.
Bird houses should be erected well in advance of the breeding season. This would, normally, be during late summer or early fall to give birds the opportunity to situate themselves before starting to breed. Bird watchers should have their bird houses up by early winter, the latest. When birds are appearing in your yard, it is already too late to start hanging nesting boxes.
The location of a bird house is just as important for attracting birds as is the type of house provided. Some species of birds prefer open, grassy areas and some prefer wooded shaded areas. However, it is recommended to place birds in a sunny, open space. One should be careful not to hang bird houses on trees as this gives easy access to the bird house for predators such as squirrels and cats.
The best way to mount a bird house is by using a free-standing metal pole or PVC pipes. These items make it very difficult for predators to climb. Nails should never be used to attach a box to a living tree. It is important to keep in mind, also, that all houses should be securely fastened to prevent swinging. Birds are not fond of moving houses.
Spacing, also, needs to be considered when erecting a bird house. Bird houses should be placed, at least, 5-30 feet above the ground, again, making them more difficult to be attacked by predators. And, always, it should be kept in mind that all bird houses should be, at least 25 feet apart. This would address the territorial issue of birds.
When the bird watchers main goal is to attract a variety of species to nesting boxes, pairing of boxes should be employed. This is done by putting boxes on poles in pairs. This offers the advantage of allowing more than one species to, peacefully, coexist in the same environment.
Following these simple guidelines can turn into a very pleasant experience for anyone interested in bird watching. They will attract many cheerful, singing birds that will provide entertainment for the interested bird watcher for hours.
The author is a nature enthusiast who is fond of birds. She studies their habits and enjoys watching them at play. Many a day is spent in decorating her yard with new bird houses to entice new feathered visitors and then re-decorating to entice other new ones. Her garden is the hangout, not only for feathered visitors but many neighbors who come to enjoy the antics of her birds and the serenity of her outdoor decor.
Mary Fesio is the owner and webmaster of www.FeedersFountainsAndBirdhouses.com. The website offers a large selection of delightful, quality bird houses, bird feeders, garden statuary, indoor water fountains and outdoor water fountains at very competitive prices. You are welcomed to come in and browse.
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