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Convincing
birds will gather in your yard
entails offering sustenance, hydration, refuge, or any combination thereof. Crafting a DIY birdhouse might prove attractive during spring or summer when many avian species construct their nests. Besides increasing your likelihood of observing charming fledglings, furnishing indigenous birds with nesting spots can enhance ecological diversity within your locality. It’s crucial to design and install the dwelling so as to draw native birds instead of non-native ones. You only require some know-how along with an ample-sized coffee tin; however, several additional materials could also be beneficial. Such items encompass a ruler or measuring tape, sandpaper, and a cutting implement like
Workpro Premium Utility Knife
.
A plastic coffee canister or milk jug can be reused for this birdhouse project, designed to accommodate two small birds along with their offspring. Prior to starting your assembly process, make sure to clean the container using soap and water, then let it air-dry completely. This step aids in eliminating odors that could attract potential predators. Keep hold of the lid; it will function as the rooftop once assembled.
Before making an entryway hole in the container, determine which type of birds you wish to inhabit the home. Various species have distinct requirements regarding hole sizes and positions. As an illustration, Eastern Bluebirds necessitate a circular opening measuring precisely 1.5 inches in diameter, positioned centrally at six inches above the base. Meanwhile, chickadees prefer holes approximately 1.125 inches wide situated similarly close to the bottom.
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
includes a handout with these measurements and recommended mounting heights for multiple common bird types.
Read more:
The Ideal Spot for a Hummingbird Swing in Your Garden
Personalizing and Installing Your Coffee Canister Birdhouse
After cutting the entry hole in the plastic container, smooth out any jagged edges using sandpaper. Then, create several slits at the base of the structure to promote ventilation and prevent water accumulation. Following this step, feel free to add a personal touch by painting the shelter; wild birds generally favor hues like brown, green, or similar natural shades that offer camouflage against potential threats. Ensure that if you choose to use paint, it should be harmless to the avian inhabitants. Typically, non-toxic paints designed for children’s furnishings and playthings will suffice for birdhouses too. It might be wise to exclude any perches from your design since these could attract unwanted species.
To
prevent intrusive sparrows from making nests in your bird feeder
Position it at least 300 feet away from your house. Additionally, place it where the specific bird species would naturally expect to find it. For instance, white-breasted nuthatches prefer boxes mounted directly onto tree trunks close to woodland areas; these should ideally be positioned between 12 to 20 feet above the ground. Meanwhile, chickadees look for locations about 6 to 15 feet high with plenty of dense shrubs nearby.
Birds look for areas abundant in food and water sources as well. Enhance your birdhouse’s appeal by placing a birdbath or feeder somewhere else in your garden. For safety reasons, keep this feeding station around 130 feet away from your nesting box. However, make certain you’re prepared to manage the upkeep involved with maintaining such features. This encompasses
eliminating mosquitoes from bird baths
And tending to issues under the feeders.
Read the
Original Article from Outdoor Guide
.
