Nesting boxes for wild birds are a wonderful way to help out your local wildlife, but your responsibility doesn’t end at the placement of nesting box.
Did you know that almost two dozen species of North American wild birds will consider a human-made nesting box? It’s true, but how on earth can you be sure that the bird you want will use your nesting box?
There is only one way and even that way will not guarantee success. After all, birds are wild creatures (as are the animals that harass them) and have minds of their own.
First, learn all you can about the birds you want to attract and offer them an appropriate box. All nesting boxes are not created equal, you want the right size with the right sized opening for your preferred bird. It’s also helpful to you to have one that opens at the top, and the front or side (I’ll tell you why later).
You’ll need to monitor the nest box once you place it in a suitable location (again, birds do have preferences about these things), and you’ll also want to be tough enough to evict starlings and house sparrows. These two are not native North American birds and have done considerable damage to our eco-system so it is wise not to assist them in their breeding habits.
Perhaps one of the biggest responsibilities is ensuring that the boxes don’t become infested with insects. If this happens you’ll want to physically remove the insects and soap the inside top of your nesting box. Of course you can’t do this if you currently have inhabitants. If insects infest the box during nesting, simply apply a light dusting of rotenone or pyrethrin (available at your country supply or home hardware store). Do not use chemical sprays.
Next you’ll have to watch out for the wild predators, namely snakes and climbing rodents. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure – set up physical barriers to these pests to deter them right from the start! You could try inserting a PVC pipe over your metal bird house pole, or add metal sheeting to a wood pole. Smear the PVC or metal with Vaseline laced with hot (cayenne) pepper. Avoid automotive grease, it can be lethal to wildlife. You could also put a predator guard over the nest entrance hole. Finally, do not use bird houses with perches below the entrance hole.
If you find other bird species attacking the nesting adults, eggs or nestlings, you’ll have to take a different action dependant on the attackers. Eliminate house sparrows and starlings. All other birds are protected by federal and state laws such as hawks, owls, falcons, crows, grackles, jays and shrikes.
Finally, when your babes have flown the coop (so to speak) remove and thoroughly clean the nesting, soap up the lid again and replace for the next season.
Filed in: Wild Birds
