The most common complaints I hear from others are regarding problems of uninvited guests at the feeder.

These ‘guests’ fall into two categories – those interested in the seeds (squirrels and chipmunks, rats and mice, starlings and house sparrows), and those interested in a bird for dinner (cats and hawks).

If you have trees, you will get to know squirrels. You may marvel at their antics, until they take over your bird feeders. Then you’ll either love them or hate them. Continue Reading »

When it comes to bird houses and nesting boxes it’s all about location, location, location!

Well, perhaps not the only factor, but without considering the placement of the nesting box, you have minimal chance for success.

Where you put your bird house is as important as the design, entrance hole size, materials used, and construction of the box. Cavity nesting birds are very particular about where they live and begin their families. No matter how perfect your nest box, if you don’t have the right habitat, the birds aren’t likely to find it and use it.

Not everyone has the perfect habitat and location for a wood duck, purple martin, or screech owl. On the other hand, just about anyone can attract and entice a robin, titmouse, wren, or chickadee to their yard to rear nestlings.

If you’re reading this artilce I’m going to assume that you have either just built or bought the perfect bird house/nesting box.

But what happens when the birds Continue Reading »

Many of the birds that visit backyard feeders and bird baths may stay and nest in nearby trees. And many of them, including cardinals, doves and orioles, won’t ever raise their young in a nesting box. However, you can still help these bird favorites to raise their young in your area by offering their favorite food choices and providing shelter requirements in your garden or yard.

Nesting materials can also be hung in a wire cage. These cages are especially popular in the spring when birds will come and choose those that are suitable for them. Try thin strips of clothing or rags, small twigs, wool, and even feathers.

There are more than two dozen birds in the USA and Canada that are happy to nest Continue Reading »

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. Continue Reading »