Siting a Bird Nest Box

Siting your nest box can be easy or hard depending on your experience with nesting birds and the environment you intend to put your nest box. We are by no means an expert but the following information will help you decide and give you a rundown of your siting options. And remember you can follow all the rules and advice in the world, but the wildlfe or the Birds do not always do as they should, or as you may expect them to!

We will be splitting this section into two parts.. siting for smaller garden birds, and siting for birds such as the owl, woodpecker or larger woodland birds.

General notes about siting nest boxes

• Try to tilt the nest box forward slightly to give it slightly more protection from the rain entering the hole.
• Try not to put your nest box close to windows or noisy kids bedrooms, look for good cover if you can if putting in a shrub, hedge or fence, think of the cats if low down.
• A north or east facing box is always preferable to south or west. This is so that in summer months the box has some shade, and in winter months it will tend to be sheltered from the wettest winds.
• Its a good idea here to look for signs of nests in any trees or bushes and place the nest boxes close by as you know the birds will use that area
• If fitting to a tree, try not to use a nail as this may damage the tree. Instead, use a plastic bolt, or a section of wire wrapped around the tree with something behind it so it doesn't cut into the bark.
• Autumn is the ideal time for putting up your nest boxes.
• Wood Shavings in the box may encourage nesting.
• Dont be tempted to peer into the next box unless you know its empty ! You'll disturb the birds and may frighten them off permanently.To check for the presence of birds, just keep an eye on it from a distance over a period of time.

Nest Box Siting for Common Garden Birds

Generally, when it comes to garden birds, where you put your nest box depends on the species you are trying to attract.

• Some species such as the Robin and Wren like lower nests in the shrubs and bushes, so try to keep these low down and with good cover.
• Birds such as sparrows and tits tend to prefer a higher position on the wall of the house (around two to four meters up), or high in a tree where they are safe from predators and disturbances.
• Sparrows and Starling will happily nest under the eaves of the house, and like to nest in colonies. This means you can place three or four next to each other (although try to keep them away from House Martin boxes).

In short, try a place, if its used - great, if not dont worry, it may be used next time. Or, move it to another spot and see if thats more succesful. We have over 15 nest boxes in our garden and its just a normal residential garden, some are used every year, others are never used. Experimentation is the key.. if you 're not having much luck, try another corner of the Garden or perhaps site them in a particular type of tree. Given time and a little bit of luck, you could have one of the most fascinating and interesting attractions in your garden for years.

Siting a Nest Box for Larger Birds

Nest Boxes for larger Birds tend to need a bit more thought as to where to put them, as there are a few more considerations to be taken into account.

• Owl and Kestrel Nest Boxes : Both of these birds like a good view high in trees, over open land so that they can hunt. If you put them near your garden birds you may find a few of them go missing!
• Woodpecker Boxes - at the risk of sounding obvious they need to be put on a tree ! About 3-5 meters high is ideal, with a clear view around it and away from disturbances.
• Doves - Similar to owls, around 4-6 meters is ideal

If you do want to put an owl of kestrel box give us a call and we are happy to discuss the environment you are going to put it in and the best spots to use. Physically attaching these boxes can also be a challenge, so see our other article on Siting a Barn Owl Nest Box .