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Nest Boxes

© Murdo Morrison

The best option for providing nest sites for birds is to provide a natural habitat with a range of indigenous native plants and trees. For many reasons, however, property owners who wish to encourage nesting birds are not able to provide enough suitable locations. Shrinking habitat has often resulted in a disruption of the natural vegetation. New developments typically do not have mature trees or shrubs. As the erstwhile landscape of woodlots and brush yields to modern perceptions, dead trees, a necessary part of the natural ecosystem are often removed for firewood or 'aesthetic' reasons.

In providing nestboxes it is important to realize that only a relatively small number of American bird species are cavity nesters. Therefore, providing nesting sites, while worthwhile, is only part of the picture. It should function as part of a broader strategy to conserve habitat. It is important, to learn about the bird species in your area, their specific habitat needs and to decide what types of nestboxes and locations are suitable for your property.

There are many good resources available to help you. Two books that have been particularly helpful to me are The Backyard Birdhouse Book, Building Nestboxes and Creating Natural Habitats by Rene and Christyna M. Laubach, Storey Books and The National Audubon Society publication, The Bird Garden by Stephen W. Kress, Dorling Kindesley. Both books provide valuable information about bird species, habitats and provide plans for different types of nestboxes. Information is also available online. Some sites include the North American Bluebird Society, North Carolina State University and the Backyard Birding page of the Baltimore Bird Club.

Good commercially made nestboxes are available but many that are sold lack important features essential to a good nestbox. Fortunately, building them is not very difficult and should be within the reach of most people. Regardless of the source, good nestboxes have some common characteristics. They should be sturdy and made of untreated wood at least 3/4-inch thick. The wood should be rough surfaced, particularly in the interior of the box. Roofs should slope and overhang the front of the box by several inches to protect from rain and sun. The box should be constructed so that it can be easily accessed for monitoring and inspection. Ventilation is important as is good drainage.

Location, as they say, is everything and this is particularly true for nestboxes. There are several factors to keep in mind. The location should fit the habitat needs of the species you are attempting to attract, including the surrounding vegetation, height of the box above the ground, and appropriate shelter and cover for fledglings and the availability of food and water.

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