If you don't know
a lot about birds, then you probably assume (like I did) that any
bird could and would nest in a birdhouse. When you think about it
though, it makes sense that different types of birds would find different
types of habitats more suitable than others. Some birds actually do
prefer to build nests in the branches of trees despite the comfy looking
accommodations you provide nearby. Others nest on the ground or even
under it in burrows. And then finally, there are those birds that
nest in cavities - nooks and holes in trees or buildings or wherever
else they can find them, maybe even your lovely birdhouse.
So what birds will you find
nesting in your birdhouse? There are over 50 different types of
birds in North America that might consider it. Of those, some are
still much more likely to be found in birdhouses than others.
Here's a partial list
of birdhouse birds found on About.com's pages on Birding/Wild Birds:
- Wood Ducks
- Goldeneyes
- Buffleheads
- Mergansers
- American Kestrels
- Owls
- Woodpeckers
- Northern Flickers
- Great Crested Flycatchers
- Ash-throated Flycatchers
- Tree Swallows
- Purple Martins
- Titmice
- Chickadees
- Nuthatches
- Wrens
- Bluebirds
- European Starlings
- House Sparrows
- House Finches
(birding.about.com/library/weekly/aa032101b.htm)
So how can you convince these
birds to make your birdhouse their next home? Offer them the right
food and the right conditions.
Make sure your birdhouse
is the right size, particularly the hole. If the opening is too
large, then your nesting birds are at risk of being attacked by
larger predatory birds. A quick Internet search on the type of bird
you'd like to attract will provide you with all you need to know
- the best diameter for your birdhouse opening as well as the type
of food that will bring them in to take a look.
How you position your birdhouse
can make a difference as well. Help your new bird neighbors to stay
dry in the rain by making sure that the opening faces away from
the predominant winds in your area. Keep them safe from ground predators
by putting the birdhouse where cats and others can't reach, like
on a pole away from trees or other things that could be launching
pads. You could also buy a guard for the birdhouse or even do it
yourself. All you have to do is surround the birdhouse with mesh
or chicken wire that has holes large enough for your nesting birds
but not the larger predatory birds that might try to come after
them.
Another nice touch - offer
your feathered guests a clean room too! If other birds nested in
your birdhouse last year, clean out any leftover mess and disinfect.
This will provide new birds with a place of their own that is germ-free
so they won't get sick.
And finally, be sure that you
don't clear your yard of all nest-making material. The Cornell Lab
of Ornithology recommends these natural materials: twigs, leaves,
dry grass, moss, bark strips, pine needles, hair/fur, mud and even
snake skins. The Lab says that man-made materials - yarn/string,
stuffing material, thin strips of cloth, shredded paper, plastic
strips, cellophane, or aluminum foil - can work too. You don't need
to leave litter scattered across your yard, though. Birds will obtain
these materials from piles, baskets, mesh bags hung on trees, or
store-bought spiral hangers made for offering nest materials.
So don't expect every bird
you see in the backyard to be a potential birdhouse resident. Consider
the birds you might attract and the birds you want to attract and
provide for them accordingly. Enjoy your new neighbors!- Lorie Grant
DeWorken
SOURCES:
About.com - Birding/Wildbirds (birding.about.com)
Cornell Lab of Ornithology (birds.cornell.edu)
