Bird Houses to attract Wild Birds to your Garden

Author: Steve
There are many Bird House designs to choose from and it is important to choose the right one to suit the wild bird species that you want to attract. Nest boxes with holes in the fronts will attract small birds such as Tits, Fly Catchers and Sparrows. The hole diameter should be approximately 25-32mm for these species. A larger hole of up to 60mm is required for bigger birds such as Woodpeckers. Birds such as Blackbirds and Wrens prefer nest boxes with open fronts, and special wedge shaped designs are available to attract Tree Creepers. House Martins and Swallows typically nest under the eaves of houses with nest made of clay and specially designed replica nests can be purchased to suit these species.
Once you have decided on the right birdhouse to suit the garden bird you are aiming to attract, then you will need to pick a suitable site for the nest box. Typically, it is a good idea to place Bird Houses for smaller species such as Tits and Wrens, in the cover of hedges and shrubs but high enough off the ground or deep enough in cover to protect from predators. Bird nest boxes for larger birds such as Blackbirds and Starlings should be placed 1.5 – 5m high in a tree. Place the nesting box even higher in the Tree for Woodpeckers.
The special nesting boxes for Swallows and House Martins need to be placed where the birds build their mud and clay nests, under the eaves on the outside of buildings but can be placed inside barns and outbuildings if natural nests are in place and the birds have access.
Bird Houses can be placed close together to form colonies for species such as sparrows, or special colony nest boxes can be used.
For most wild birds it is best to site the nesting box in a quiet area of the garden away from the general comings and goings of the household. Although some birds such as Blue Tits can become quite tame and have been known to nest in post boxes and even hanging baskets right next to the house.
Whichever bird house you choose it may take some time for the birds to find it so don't worry if it is not occupied for some time. A nest box can be fitted in the garden at any time of year but if you put it in place by February (in the UK) then there is a good chance it will be occupied by the Spring.
Bird Houses
Bird Boxes
Nest Box Cameras