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

Using a Bird Feeder to attract Wild Birds to your Garden

Author: Steve
Wild birds are a wonderful addition to any garden. One of the best ways to attract them is to use a bird feeder and ensure there is a steady supply of nuts, seeds and suet for them to eat throughout the year. Bird feeders are cheap to buy and there are different designs to hold different types of wild bird food.
For peanuts, typically a tubular design made from wire is used. The holes are generally small enough for beaks to get through but too small for a nut to come out without being broken up.
For bird seed, a plastic tube with a small hole at the bottom will hold a plentiful supply and allow easy access for the smaller garden birds.
For suet, a larger diameter tube with a larger holes is ideal for holding 2 or 3 suet balls or cakes at the same time.
Typically bird feeders are hung from a tree or pole. Several feeders can be placed together to form a bird feeding station and attract lots of different bird species.
Care should be taken to place the bird feeders away from predators reach. Cats will prey on any birds feeding close to the ground and squirrels will steal the food and can vandalise the feeder. For this reason, place the bird feeder high enough off the ground and far enough away from the tree trunk, wall or building to stop cats and squirrels from jumping onto the feeder.
It is always a good idea to make sure the birds have water too when feeding them so provide a bird table or similar with a dish of water nearby to the food. Birds need food especially in winter but it is a good idea to keep feeding them throughout the year once you have started.
There are also special bird feeders designs available that include: squirrel proof bird feeders and window bird feeders.
You can find more information on bird feeders at Bird Feeders. As well as information on bird nest boxes, insect nest boxes, owl nest boxes, nest box cameras and other hints and tips on attracting other wildlife into your garden.

Category › animal feeder , bird bath , bird feeder , bird feeders , bird feeding , bird feeding station , bird food , bird table , bird tables , garden birds , squirrel proof bird feeders , wild birds , window bird feeders