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

Category › attracting birds to your backyard , bird house , bird houses , bird nest box , bird nesting box , birdhouse , garden birds , nest boxes , wild birds

Birds, Butterflies and Benefits

Author: Ken Goodwin
There are many benefits to attracting butterflies and birds to your backyard. The benefits range from personal and family to ecological and environmental.
Let's first start with benefits to you and your family. The first benefit that comes to my mind is the pleasure you derive from listening to the songs of the unseen birds. Then there is also the enjoyment one gets from watching them in the comfort of your own backyard. In the attempt to attract them, you are helping them by providing them with a safe haven and staving off possible extinction. You are also receiving an education by creating the possibility to study their habits and personalities. It can be a fun means to bring the family together for 15 minutes or even an hour or more. Taking the time to watch them provides stress relief in our busy lives. The fresh air during the upkeep of your garden, and then during your relaxing vigils, provides more vitamin D and detoxifies the body.
Birds and butterflies eat insects. The birds alone are able to hold check on the most powerful race on earth-insects. Amongst the insects they eat are aphids, mosquitoes, spiders and others that might not be welcome in your yard or garden. This eliminates the need for harsh insecticides. Our feathered friends also eat seeds that would otherwise develop into weeds. Another source of food for the birds is the butterflies themselves. The butterflies, when they are in the caterpillar stage, provide a food source for birds, particularly the nestlings. There are a lot of nutrients packed into that small, soft body packet.
They also provide for flower pollination. Some plants are pollinated by the wind. However, most are pollinated by insects. In the case of butterflies, they collect pollen on their long legs as they sip nectar. This pollination is not only beneficial to the plants, but as the plants grow, they in turn attract more butterflies and birds, and increase the beauty and joy of your garden. The abundance of butterflies indicates a consistent and healthier ecosystem and environment. This environment can be enhanced by using native plants to attract the butterflies and birds. By using native plants, you use less water, thereby using environmental conservation. The use of native plants also helps to increase the value of your home.
As you can see, there are several ways that both the butterflies and birds provide benefits to us, the environment and to each other. Just remember to take time out to not only smell the roses, but to also enjoy the creatures you have worked so hard to bring into your own little piece of paradise.

Category › attracting birds to your backyard , bird baths , bird feeders , butterfly houses , butterfly puddler