Our feathered friends need more natural nesting sites due to urbanisation and modern farming practices. But we can make a difference by providing wild bird nest boxes in our gardens.
We care deeply about the UK’s bird population, and we want to share our passion and knowledge with you. That’s why we’ve created this detailed guide to help you choose and maintain the perfect, wild bird nest boxes for your garden.
By following our expert advice, you can provide a safe and comfortable home for your feathered friends and enjoy watching them thrive and flourish.
Why Provide Wild Bird Nest Boxes?
Over the past five decades, the UK has seen a significant decline in bird populations, with more than 40 million birds disappearing, including many of our much-loved woodland species. This is largely due to changes in farming practices and urban development, which have led to the loss of natural habitats and increased exposure to predators.
By providing nesting boxes for wild birds, we can offer safe, warm, and dry spaces for them to raise their young and increase their chances of survival.
Understanding Different Types of Wild Bird Nest Boxes
Exploring the Variety of Wild Bird Nest Boxes Wild bird nest boxes are not one-size-fits-all. They come in two main types:
Hole-fronted boxes: These boxes have different hole sizes to match different species while also protecting them from larger predators.
Open-fronted boxes: These boxes are perfect for species that prefer to nest in dense undergrowth or hedges.
Hole-Fronted Boxes
Hole-fronted boxes are typically used by smaller birds such as blue tits, great tits, and house sparrows. The hole size can vary:
- 25mm holes are ideal for blue tits, coal tits, and marsh tits.
- 28mm holes can accommodate great tits, tree sparrows, nuthatches, and pied flycatchers.
- 32mm holes are suitable for house sparrows and nuthatches.
At Porton Garden, Aquatics & Pets, we offer a range of hole-fronted boxes, such as the Gardman Wild Bird Care Multi Nest Box, which features interchangeable hole sizes to attract various species.
Open-Fronted Boxes
Open-fronted boxes are preferred by birds like robins, pied wagtails, and spotted flycatchers. These birds enjoy nesting closer to the ground and are hidden by plants. A great example of an open-fronted box is the Gardman Wild Bird Care Robin Nest Box that you can find in our store.
Choosing the Right Location for Your Nest Box
The location of your wild bird nest box is crucial for its success. It should be placed in a sheltered spot, with the entrance hole facing away from the prevailing wind and rain. The box should also be angled slightly downward to prevent rain from entering.
The height of the box is also important. For smaller birds, the box should be placed 2-4 metres above the ground; for birds that prefer open-fronted boxes, like robins, a height of around 2 metres is ideal.
It’s also essential to ensure that there is a clear flight path to the box and some cover nearby, such as a tree or shrub. Avoid placing the box in a south-facing position, as it can get too hot.
Installing Your Wild Bird Nest Box
Once you’ve chosen the perfect location for your bird box, it’s time to install it. If you’re attaching it to a tree, avoid using nails, as this can damage the tree. Instead, fix the box by tightly wrapping wire around the tree’s trunk. If you’re attaching it to a wall, use galvanised or stainless steel screws or nails that won’t rust.
Attracting Birds to Your Nest Box
To attract birds to your nest box, consider placing bird food and feeders nearby. However, make sure these are not too close, as the noise and activity of other birds can disturb the nesting ones.
Ensure there is a supply of nesting material around, such as dry grass, fine twigs, and moss. Also, consider investing in a nest box with a camera, like our Greenkey Multi Hole Nest Box, to enjoy watching the birds as they set up home.
Maintaining Your Wild Bird Nest Box
Annual maintenance is crucial to ensure the success of your bird box. This involves removing the old nest and any debris in late autumn or winter. Cleaning the box can be done with a small brush or scraper. Boiling water can be used to eliminate any remaining parasites.
In Conclusion
Providing wild bird nest boxes is a rewarding way to support our feathered friends and enjoy the beauty of nature right in our backyards.
With the right type of box, the correct location, and proper care, you can provide a cosy and secure home for many bird species.
At Porton Garden, Aquatics & Pets, we’re here to help you make the right choices for your garden and local birdlife. Check out our range of wild bird nest boxes and start making a difference today. Visit us here to browse our selection, or call us at 01980 611116.
Wild Birds 101: Frequently Asked Questions on Bird Nest Boxes
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What are the benefits of wild bird nest boxes?
Wild bird nest boxes are artificial homes you can provide for birds in your garden or balcony. They can help birds find a safe and comfortable place to nest and raise their chicks, especially when natural nesting sites are scarce. They can also help you attract and enjoy a variety of bird species in your outdoor space.
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What are the different types of wild bird nest boxes?
Wild bird nest boxes are not all the same. They come in two main types:
- Hole-fronted boxes: These boxes have different hole sizes to suit different species while also keeping larger predators at bay.
- Open-fronted boxes: These boxes are ideal for species that like to nest in thick bushes or hedges.
The type and size of the box you pick will depend on the birds you want to attract and the space you have.
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How do you choose the best wild bird nest box location?
The location of your wild bird nest box is very important, as it can affect the success and safety of the nesting birds. It would be helpful if you considered the following factors when choosing a location:
- The height from the ground: most small birds prefer nest boxes that are 1-3m above the ground, while larger birds like owls and kestrels may need higher boxes.
- The direction of the entrance: the nest box should face away from the prevailing wind, rain, and intense sunlight, ideally between north and east.
- The distance from other nest boxes: nest boxes of the same type should not be too close to each other, as this can cause competition and aggression between neighbours.
- The visibility and accessibility: the nest box should have a clear flight path and be visible to the birds but not to predators or humans. You should also ensure the nest box is securely attached, easy to monitor, and clean.
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How do you maintain and clean a wild bird nest box?
Wild bird nest boxes need regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure they are safe and healthy for the birds. You should follow these steps:
- Check the nest box for any damage or deterioration, and fix or replace it if needed.
- Clean the nest box after the breeding season, usually in late summer or autumn, when the birds have left. You can use boiling water or a mild disinfectant to remove any parasites, droppings, or old nesting material. Do not use any chemicals or detergents that could harm the birds.
- Leave the nest box empty and dry, and put it back in its place. You can also leave the nest box up during the winter, as some birds may use it to roost or shelter from the cold.
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How to monitor and record a wild bird nest box?
Monitoring and recording a wild bird nest box can be a rewarding and educational activity, as you can learn more about the behaviour and development of the birds. You can also contribute to citizen science projects and help conservation efforts. You should follow these guidelines when monitoring and recording a nest box:
- Do not disturb the nest box or the birds, especially during the nesting and fledging stages. Observe the nest box safely, and use binoculars or a camera if possible.
- Record the date, time, location, species, number of eggs, chicks, and adults, and any other observations you make. You can use a notebook, a smartphone app, or an online platform to keep track of your data.
- Share your data with a reputable organisation, such as the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) or the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). You can also join a nest box scheme or a nest watch project to get more support and guidance.
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What are some alternatives to wild bird nest boxes?
Wild bird nest boxes are not the only way to help birds in your garden or balcony. You can also try some of these alternatives:
- Plant native trees, shrubs, and flowers that can provide natural food and shelter for birds.
- Create a bird-friendly habitat with features such as a pond, a bird bath, a bird feeder, or a bird table.
- Avoid using pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals that could harm the birds or their food sources.
- Reduce noise and light pollution that could disturb the birds or affect their natural rhythms.
