Nesting Neighbors Local birding expert, THERESA HIREMATH offers tips on enticing birds to nest and thrive in your backyard.
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ne of my favorite places in the world is my backyard. It is my personal refuge where I take in its natural beauty: sweet fresh air, soft light at sunrise and sunset, the sound of breeze in the trees, and the entertainment provided by wildlife — squirrels, deer, an occasional fox, bats in the summer, and, of course, the birds! Birds need four items to be attracted to backyard refuges: food, water, shelter, and a safe place to raise their young. Some birds begin scoping out nesting sites as early as February or March, so this is a great time to put up a nesting house. Nesting boxes provide nesting sites for birds that require a cavity in which to nest. Primary cavity nesting species (such as woodpeckers) excavate their own sites, while
secondary cavity nesters rely on pre-existing nesting cavities and will readily accept secondary housing. It is important that any house you put outdoors meets the proper housing specifications for birds. Houses should have good insulation and ventilation. Panels of wood that are ¾ inch thick help provide insulation from extreme heat or cold, and recycled plastic should be at least ½” thick. Holes near the top of the house allow for the heat to escape and holes at the bottom are important to the health of the baby birds by ensuring adequate drainage. An overhanging roof provides shade and protection from driving rains. A functional birdhouse does not have a perch, as a perch can serve as a platform from which predators can raid the nest.
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Nesting boxes should be cleaned out at the end of the nesting season. The box should then be left up for the winter, as the birds will huddle together inside during inclement weather for shelter and warmth. Covering or blocking the ventilation and drainage holes will help keep much-needed warmth inside the box during the cold winter nights. An added benefit of leaving the box up during winter is that the birds will know the location of the box when they are ready to nest in the spring. Many birds prefer their nesting habitat at a certain level, and you will be more likely to attract the species you seek if the box is placed at the right height. Also consider whether the bird you seek prefers woodlands, the forest edge, open spaces, and / or proximity to water for nesting. Do not place the box near bird feeders, as too much
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Nik and Theresa Hiremath own and operate Wild Birds Unlimited of Leawood at 11711 Roe Avenue, Leawood, Kansas. Contact them at 913-491-4887.
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nearby activity may cause the box to remain unoccupied. If you mount your nest box on a pole, be sure to place a baffle just below your box to keep snakes, raccoons, cats and other animals away. There are several other things you can do to make your backyard more attractive to nesting birds, as well. Ensure your birds have a reliable source of fresh water to drink by installing a birdbath. Leave dead trees standing as long as they are in no danger of falling. Tree snags provide a great source of insect food and nest sites. Remove any dead limbs if necessary, and create brush piles that provide shelter for fledgling birds. Feed high-protein foods such as mealworms, peanuts, and suet. Additionally, calcium enriched bird foods help replace the calcium females lose during egg production. Enticing birds to nest in your yard through proper habitat and safe nesting boxes is great for your birds and a fun, rewarding activity for your family. If you’d like more information about nesting boxes and making YOUR backyard more attractive to nesting birds, our backyard birdfeeding experts would love to help you.
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