Posted by Stephanie | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 31-08-2007
The specifics of birdhouse placement depend on the species you are targeting, because some species are looking for a very particular arrangement. There are birders who know all of this information, but I prefer to generalize and maximize my potential of getting a visitor, because sometimes you can wait for a very long time before a new family decides to pick your house.
Generally, place the birdhouse about 6-12 feet above the ground– hanging them on metal or PVC poles secured about 18" into the ground will the best way to defend against predators. If you are hanging your birdhouse on a tree, you may want to fix a piece of aluminum around the trunk below the birdhouse to deter potential egg-thieving villains. Never hang your nesting house near birdbaths or feeders because the patrons of those facilities may not be so friendly with your nesting family. Make sure there is a tree or shrub for Mama Bird to perch on near the nest. Point the birdhouse away from the winds of summer that might direct rain into the nest, and if you live in a warmer area, face the bird house north or east to avoid over-heating in the hot summer sunshine.
To attract birds to your yard and increase the chances that your birdhouse could become a birdhome there are a few ways to enhance your garden and make it more "bird-friendly." Feed the birds with a bird feeder or with fruit trees and shrubs. Try to minimize your use of pesticides, which are not only dangerous for the birds, but also destroy a large part of their food supply. A bird bath or a pond with a waterfall will also be a plus for any bird scouting for a new home.