The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) says it’s time to think about nesting boxes for birds. Many cavity nesting birds scout out and select nest sites starting in late February through May, so now is the time to prepare with some tips for nesting box success:
- Choose your tenant. Different bird species have different nesting needs, so it is important to tailor the nest box to the species you want.
- Location is key. Place your box so that birds have a clear flight path to the entrance, avoid placing your box in direct sunlight, the best position provides morning sunlight and shade in the afternoon.
- Different species prefer nest boxes at different heights, but make sure that it is at least 6 feet above ground to deter predators.
- Provide security. Predators like raccoons, snakes, domestic cats, or non-native birds can destroy your nest. To prevent this, don’t include a perch on your box that allows predators a place to grab onto.
- Choose a nest box with the right sized entry hole for the species you’re attracting and use a predator guard around the entrance hole or around the mounting post.
- Remember to clean! Removing old nesting material can help minimize a build-up of nest parasites in the box.
| By providing food, water, cover and places for wildlife to raise their young you are eligible to have your yard recognized as a Certified Wildlife Habitat. When you certify, you’ll join over 215,000 gardeners across America who provide safe places for wildlife like birds to thrive. Creating a wildlife habitat garden not only helps wildlife, it gives you a beautiful place to experience nature every day. |
To certify your yard, visit www.nwf.org. Your $20 application fee will help further protect and restore key habitat for bees, butterflies, birds, amphibians and other wildlife nationwide. Your certified garden will count toward meeting the goals of the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge, which will help support pollinators responsible for a third of our food supply.
A one-year membership to NWF includes a subscription to National Wildlife magazine, a monthly Garden for Wildlife e-newsletter and a 10% discount on purchases from the NWF catalog.
For a limited time, every certification is entered to win a chickadee nesting box.
