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Nest Boxes - Selecting a bird house involves some pre-planning based upon your expectations and setting. When selecting a birdhouse it is important to keep these factors in mind:
  • The type of birds you are trying to attract.
  • 85 species of North American birds are defined as cavity nesters- of these approximately 30 species of birds will use a birdhouse.
  • Once you have selected the species you want to attract, learn about their specific needs.
  • The desired appearance and visible setting for the birdhouse (place away from your birdfeeders).
  • Place opposite wind currents, in a relatively sunny area.
  • Proximity of protective landscaping to the bird house.
  • Ease of cleaning and maintenance.
  • Competition and threat from other animals (cats, squirrels, raccoons, hawks).
  • Pay particular attention to the interior dimensions required by the species you want to attract.
  • Resist the temptation to cluster numerous bird houses together, birds are very territorial.
  • Clean the bird house annually using a 10% bleaching solution.
  • Be patient. Even with the right mixture of habitat, positioning, selection of housing, water, and feed it will take time before your site is adopted by a nesting pair of birds.

BIRD NESTING CHART
Species Habitat Height of Box Nesting Season Nesting Material Eggs
Bewick's Wren Edge of Woods, wood clearing, backyard near building 5 - 15' May - July Twigs, grass, lined w/ feathers 5 - 7 White w/brown flecks
Black-capped Chickadee Edge of Woods, wood clearing 5 - 15' April - July Wood chips, moss, hair, feathers 6 - 8 White w/red-brown speckles
Carolina Chickadee Edge of woods, wood clearing 5 - 15' April - July Wood chips, moss, hair, feathers 6 White w/brown speckles
Carolina Wren Edge of woods, wood clearing, backyard near building 5 - 15' May - July Twigs, dry grass 5 White to creamy
Downy Woodpecker Edge of woods, wood clearing 5 - 15' April - July Wood chips 4 - 5 White to pale buff
Eastern Bluebird Pasture, field 3 - 6' March - July Grasses, pine needles, weeds, lining of fine grass 4 - 5 Clear blue
Hairy Woodpecker Edge of woods, wood clearing 12 - 20' Feb - April Wood chips 3 - 6 White
House Wren Edge of woods, wood clearing 5 - 15' April - July Twigs, grass 6 - 7 White marked w/brown
Mountain Bluebird Pasture, field 3 - 6' April - July Weed stems, pine needles 4 - 6 Pale blue to bluish-white
Mountain Chickadee Edge of woods, wood clearing 5 - 15' April - July Moss, fur, feathers, shredded bark 7 - 9 White
Northern Flicker Pasture, field 10 - 30' April - July Wood chips 7 - 9 White
Plain Titmouse Edge of woods, wood clearing 5 - 15' April - August Moss, grass, feathers, fur 3 - 9 White
Red-shafted Flicker Pasture, field 10 - 30' Feb - April Wood chips 6 - 8 White
Screech Owl Edge of woods, wood clearing 10 - 30' Feb - April Wood chips 2 - 7 White
Tufted Titmouse Edge of woods, wood clearing 5 -15' April - August Grasses 5 - 6 White w/brown speckles
Tree Swallow Pasture, field 4 -15' March - May Grass lined w/feathers 4 - 6 White
Violet-green Swallow Pasture, field 4 -15' March - May Grass lined w/feathers 4 - 7 White
Western Bluebird Pasture, field 3 - 6' March - August Weed stems, twigs or feathers 4 - 6 Pale blue to bluish-white
White-breasted Nuthatch Edge of woods, wood clearing 5 -15' May - July Bark, roots, grass 5 - 6 White w/brown speckles
Yellow-shafted Flicker Edge of woods, wood clearing 5 -15' March - July Wood chips 5 - 10 White

In addition to birds, nest boxes may be provided for squirrels, chipmunks, mason bees, honey bees, butterflies & moths and bats.

For more information on:

Bird Nest Boxes
Bat Houses
Butterfly Houses
Squirrel Houses
Bee Houses
Insect Houses


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