There are many North American birds that do not utilize man made bird houses. However, there are also many North American birds that do use them, and they have survived in large part because of man-made bird houses.
One such bird is the Eastern Bluebird. Eastern bluebirds will readily use a nesting box or bird house if appropriately built and placed. The bluebird house should be left up all year long as these birds will use them for cover in the cold winter months as well.
Fancy birdhouses come in all shapes, sizes, materials, themes and designs. A growing number of these pieces are characteristic of the Victorian architecture found in the U.S. in the mid to late 19th Century. A large number of these birdhouses are miniature imitations of specific historic buildings. Other common styles of fancy birdhouses include representations of cottages, churches, barns, log cabins and lighthouses. Decorative, holiday birdhouses help stir the Christmas spirit with dreamlike snowbound settings just waiting for long lost relatives to walk in the door. Many of these holiday birdhouses are for indoor use only.
On the other hand if you are more concerned about the wild birds and your desire is to attract them to your yard with nesting boxes then my recommendation is to buy or build the right bird house for that species of bird. Cavity nesting species of wild birds all prefer a particular size of cavity to build a nest. In the wild they don't always get the perfect cavity they are looking for, but putting up nesting boxes of the right size can be very rewarding.
Types of material used to design birdhouses vary and the proper choice will provide an oasis for avian wildlife competing for shelter. Commercial development and the removal of damaged or diseased trees and shrubbery drive this demand from our feathered friends. Maintenance and durability of the material is also a key factor in your selection. Your choices can include:
In the dead of winter when temperatures are extreme, a larger space can be used to attract more birds to roost and stay warm. If you do decide to have more than your year round bird houses for bird shelter, you may try a larger bird roosting box. These boxes should use thicker wood to keep more heat in and an entrance lower to the bottom of the box, rather than toward the top of the box, may help keep it warmer. As the heat rises, it will be less likely to escape out of the lower entry hole. You may also want to use larger dimensions for the interior to accommodate more roosting birds with inside perches and scored interior walls for easy climbing. For safety, try to use a metal guard around the entrance holes to deter predators such as squirrels and raccoons. Also fewer air vent holes or gaps will help keep cold out and heat in. The same can be done by using your year round bird houses and just temporarily plugging or blocking ventilation holes to keep warmth in.
Other tips for Roosting birds in winter:
You can add a second entrance to your roosting box for easy access for many birds. This will provide a quick exit for larger numbers of birds when they are going out to feed or threatened by predators. Adding some wood chips or moss at the bottom of the box will help keep birds warm and comfortable on cold nights. This also can be done with your bird houses already set up in your yard or garden. Finally, a darker colored exterior will also help warm your bird box with the sun's rays.
One such bird is the Eastern Bluebird. Eastern bluebirds will readily use a nesting box or bird house if appropriately built and placed. The bluebird house should be left up all year long as these birds will use them for cover in the cold winter months as well.
Fancy birdhouses come in all shapes, sizes, materials, themes and designs. A growing number of these pieces are characteristic of the Victorian architecture found in the U.S. in the mid to late 19th Century. A large number of these birdhouses are miniature imitations of specific historic buildings. Other common styles of fancy birdhouses include representations of cottages, churches, barns, log cabins and lighthouses. Decorative, holiday birdhouses help stir the Christmas spirit with dreamlike snowbound settings just waiting for long lost relatives to walk in the door. Many of these holiday birdhouses are for indoor use only.
On the other hand if you are more concerned about the wild birds and your desire is to attract them to your yard with nesting boxes then my recommendation is to buy or build the right bird house for that species of bird. Cavity nesting species of wild birds all prefer a particular size of cavity to build a nest. In the wild they don't always get the perfect cavity they are looking for, but putting up nesting boxes of the right size can be very rewarding.
Types of material used to design birdhouses vary and the proper choice will provide an oasis for avian wildlife competing for shelter. Commercial development and the removal of damaged or diseased trees and shrubbery drive this demand from our feathered friends. Maintenance and durability of the material is also a key factor in your selection. Your choices can include:
In the dead of winter when temperatures are extreme, a larger space can be used to attract more birds to roost and stay warm. If you do decide to have more than your year round bird houses for bird shelter, you may try a larger bird roosting box. These boxes should use thicker wood to keep more heat in and an entrance lower to the bottom of the box, rather than toward the top of the box, may help keep it warmer. As the heat rises, it will be less likely to escape out of the lower entry hole. You may also want to use larger dimensions for the interior to accommodate more roosting birds with inside perches and scored interior walls for easy climbing. For safety, try to use a metal guard around the entrance holes to deter predators such as squirrels and raccoons. Also fewer air vent holes or gaps will help keep cold out and heat in. The same can be done by using your year round bird houses and just temporarily plugging or blocking ventilation holes to keep warmth in.
Other tips for Roosting birds in winter:
You can add a second entrance to your roosting box for easy access for many birds. This will provide a quick exit for larger numbers of birds when they are going out to feed or threatened by predators. Adding some wood chips or moss at the bottom of the box will help keep birds warm and comfortable on cold nights. This also can be done with your bird houses already set up in your yard or garden. Finally, a darker colored exterior will also help warm your bird box with the sun's rays.
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