Bird Houses
One of the great joys of birding is to see birds
successfully raise their young in your own backyard.
Many birds will gladly move into a well designed and
properly placed bird house (or nest box). See
a list of birds that will
nest in nestboxes.
Tips for Selecting Bird Houses
 | Successful bird houses are built for a specific
bird. Decide which birds you want to attract
to your yard and purchase or make your birdhouse
accordingly. |
| Wood is probably the best material for
birdhouses. Cypress and cedar are good choices
because they weather well. Pine is acceptable,
but won't last as long. |
| Avoid houses made with shiny materials such as
metal roofs. The reflective surfaces can
attract predators. |
| Nest boxes should have ventilation. This
can be achieved through leaving gaps between the
sides of the box and the roof or by drilling holes
in the sides just below the roof. |
| Nest boxes should have drainage in the floor.
|
| A rough surface on both the inside and outside
of a nest box makes it easier for birds to get in
and out. |
| Nest boxes should not have perches on the
outside below the entrance hole. Perches give
predators access to the birds in your birdhouse. |
| Top opening nest boxes provide easiest access
for checking on birds without disturbing the nest.
|
| A predator guard is often a thick block of wood
at the entrance hole. A predator guard deepens
the entrance hole and makes it more difficult for a
raccoon or cat to get its arm inside the box.
Predator guards made of sheet metal will keep
squirrels out of your nest boxes. |
Here are some good quality bird houses
available for purchase online through
Duncraft and
Amazon.com.
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Wren Nest Box Kit. Build a home for
wrens with this kit from Audubon Workshops.
Hang 5 feet above ground within close range of
buildings, such as a garage, shed or barn, for
maximum effect. Nest box measures 5 1/4"W x 7-1/2" x
5-1/4"D.
Details and Ordering Info.
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Sloped Front Cedar Bluebird House. The
Sloped Front Cedar Bluebird House is the perfect
combination of functionality and style. The front of
this house can swing open to allow for cleaning.
Just the correct size of hole((1.375 inches x 2.25
inches), sloped front & roof overhang help deter
predators while making it easier for the nestlings
to exit when they mature.
Details and Ordering Info. |
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Aluminum Purple Martin High Rise with Pole and
Ground Socket. Here's everything you
need to get started as a purple martin landlord.
This complete system comes with a high quality
martin house, pole with a rope and pulley system for
easy raising and lowering, and a ground socket
to install your pole. Set even includes guard
rails and door stoppers. A great value for
anyone interested in attracting and housing Purple
Martins. Offered by Duncraft.
Details and Ordering Info.
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Storybook Birdhouse. The charming
design of this bird house may have been inspired by
a chirldren's fairytale. Features a 1 1/8"
entry hole that accomodates wrens, warblers, and
chickadees. Constructed of pine, cedar and
redwood. 6-1/2 x 6-1/4 x 9 1/2". Offered by
Duncraft.
Details and Ordering Info. |
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Species Specific Bird Houses at A Birds World.
A full selection of quality nest boxes for your
favorite variety of bird.
Click here to see the full selection of species
specific bird houses. |
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Make Your Own Birdhouses
Here are some sources of plans on how to make
birdhouses
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