Select the Right Birdhouse for the Bird Lover and the Birds

North America is home to over 75 different species of cavity nesting birds that seek shelter and security as they start their families. Some of the better known cavity nesters include woodpeckers, purple martins, bluebirds, titmice, wrens, nuthatches and the chickadees. These birds look for natural cavities created where branches break off of trees or perhaps those already created by woodpeckers and other animals. Unfortunately, humans contribute to the limited availability of these natural cavities through construction projects and seemingly innocent removal of fallen trees. The result is fierce competition among the birds that need them most.

Otherwise known as nest boxes, bird houses provide artificial shelter for cavity dwelling birds throughout their annual brooding season. Nestling birds typically spend 16-22 days in the nest ? just long enough for the young to gain strength and learn to fly. Bird houses provide protection from rain, heat, cold and even predators. Because access to bird houses is limited to those animals and birds that can fit through the opening, smaller birds instinctively seek the protection afforded by homes with the possible opening.

Your primary consideration for selection of your birdhouse should be the species of bird that you want to attract. This is important because size matters. Most bird houses have openings that range from 1-1/8 inch to 2-1/2 inches. Minor differences in opening size of even 1/8 of an inch can impact the type of bird it attracts. For example, an opening of 1-1/8 inch is ideal for chickadees and wrens, but too small for most titmice and nuthatches which prefer a 1-1/4 inch opening.

Once you have decided what species of bird that you want to attract, you should consider style and budget. Birdhouses come in all different colors, sizes, shapes, themes, construction materials, mounting mechanisms, opening sizes and access features. Many are just downright functional works of art that can be enjoyed indoors as part of a decorative birdhouse collection as well as outdoors providing protective shelter for a family of nesting birds. In addition, the cost of a birdhouse can range from $15 all way up to several hundred dollars for the most elaborate pieces. Of course you can choose a bare bones unfinished nest box that will make the birds perfectly happy and add little aesthetic appeal to your yard. However, you should consider a home that will complement the landscaping and existing construction of your yard if you wish to indulge your own taste as well.

Other features that should be considered include mounting, ventilation, drainage and access for cleaning and inspection. Birdhouses can be hung from a tree, mounted on a tree or fence post or some of the larger and more elaborate pieces come ready to mount on a permanent 4?4 post or pedestal. Keep in mind that certain birds prefer homes that are mounted at heights consistent with their natural habitats. All functional birdhouses should be complete with ventilation holes near the top to allow the heat to escape in the summer and have adequate drainage holes in the bottom to allow water to escape. Finally it is important that homes can be accessed for inspection and removal of old nests if they are truly to be used as nest boxes. In the end, you can choose a birdhouse that provides a welcome refuge for our feathered friends and provides you with sheer enjoyment as a truly unique and functional work of art.

Check out our awesome selection of bird houses and bird feeders that will please you and your feathered friends.

Source: http://toddsblogs.com/referenceandeducation/2012/07/20/select-the-right-birdhouse-for-the-bird-lover-and-the-birds/

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