Bird nesting boxes.
Most nest boxes are simply boxes with a hole in the front. The size of the hole will depend on the type of bird you're trying to attract.
Blue tits, coal tits and marsh tits about 25mm across.
Great tits, nuthatches, house sparrows and tree sparrows, slightly bigger about 32mm.
Robins, wrens and pied wagtails prefer open fronted boxes but these can be vulnerable to attack by cats so put them somewhere safe.
House martins: use nest bowls, large 3/4 coconot shell works.
Starlings like a long deep box with a hole near the roof.
Sparrows nest close to each other in communal boxes, the box has three compartments with a hole just under the lid at each side and in the centre. They will also nest in the roof of your house.
Siting your bird box
Site nest boxes so that they are sheltered from the wind, rain and strong sunlight. If they are in full sun, the chicks could overheat and die.
Position boxes 5 to 6ft above ground so they are out of reach of cats and other predators.
Drill small drainage holes at the bottom and make sure the lid is secure to keep out magpies and squirrels.
Sit the box near to small branches that will support fledglings but won't hold the weight of cats.
House martin nest bowls should be situated under the eaves of your house, they often return to the same nesting sites year after year.
Most nesting birds prefer to nest and hatch eggs in quiet areas of the garden with good cover.
Good cover for birds nests
Ivy is great for birds as its nectar and berries provide much-needed winter food. Its also great cover for placing nest boxes and for natural nesting sites. Ivy needs controling though or it will stifle and kill off other wildlife fiendly plants. more information here clearing ivy
Common honeysuckle not only smells lovely but it's a rich source of nectar and pollen for both insects and birds. It grows quickly up trees, walls and trellises, providing great cover for placing nest boxes and for natural nesting sites. Planting berry-bearing shrubs and trees like Firethorn, rowan and holly not only provide cover but also an extra source of food for birds and other wildlife in the Autumn.
How to maintain your bird box
Clean the nest box out with boiling water in the autumn when your brood have flown the nest. This will ensure Disease and parasites are not passed to next seasons visitors
Your bird box might not be used in the first year, as birds often choose a nesting site during the autumn, winter or early spring. leave it up for a couple of seasons and if its not used, try it in another area of your garden. (leaving your box up in winter may provide a useful roost in bad weather).
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