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'Sold signs' going up on UK nestboxes
Last modified: 16 January 2012
If you got a nest box for Christmas, don't leave it lying around in the shed or garage, get it put up now while the birds are still browsing!
We’re not the only ones who might start the New Year with a hunt for a new home.
Many birds will get off to a flying start on the house hunting front early this year too, by claiming a new home with their version of a ‘sold sign.’
If birds start pecking away at the nest box entrance hole it’s not because they, like us have increased their girths over Christmas.
The RSPB is assuring people that birds are not trying to make the holes larger; it is territorial behaviour claiming the box ahead of the breeding season.
RSPB wildlife adviser Val Osborne explains; “At this time of year, many birds are starting to do early checks of nesting sites to claim their patch. They tap around holes and in nestboxes, as visual and audible signs to other birds that this site is taken. Blue tits and starlings are the most obvious culprits but other birds will be showing similar signs.
After pecking around the hole, the birds are likely to disappear to get themselves in tip-top condition for the breeding season, but many people think they’ve left because the box entrance is too small.”
The wildlife charity says that many birds will be starting to get organised with an early spring clean, tidying up last year’s nest boxes and removing any unwanted debris. Preparing now means they can spend the next few months feeding up and finding a mate so they have the best chance to breed when spring arrives.
Nest boxes are great substitutes for holes in old trees. They’re a real favourite with many birds including blue tits, robins, house sparrows and starlings.
“If you got a nest box for Christmas, don’t leave it lying around in the shed or garage, get it put up now while the birds are still browsing,” suggests Val Osborne.
“It is important to site them correctly though; a nest box in the wrong place could mean birds suffer harshly in the heat.
“Unless there are trees or buildings which shade the box during the day, they need to be facing between north and east to protect them from overheating in strong summer sunshine. It will also shelter them from wetter south westerly winds.”
Other top tips from the RSPB are:
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Make sure there’s a clear flight path to the entrance of the box. Tits, sparrows and starlings, nesting on open aspects, like to know that the coast is clear when flying to and from their homes.
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Don’t put them too close to the ground or on a fence or shed where cats can lurk. Boxes for robins and wrens though, shouldn’t be too high and are best amongst greenery where they are hidden from the elements and predators.
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If you want to put up more than one box, try and site them as far apart as possible as the birds remain territorial during the breeding season.
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RSPB recommends boxes that are made from sustainable, durable FSC timber which provide a safe and snug place for birds to nest.
Val Osborne adds, “If you get stuck in now, you might see other early activities in the garden while you’re out there.”
Robins are reinforcing their territories by singing loudly and are often seen fighting off rivals. Blackbirds and song thrushes are getting particularly tuneful to attract mates for the all important breeding season.
Male woodpeckers begin drumming loudly to show their presence. They are trying to see off competitors as well as let females know they are available. As well as tree trunks, they might use your TV aerial as a noisy instrument.
To find out more about nestboxes and where to site them visit www.rspb.org.uk/advice
A variety of carefully designed RSPB nestboxes are available from www.rspbshop.co.uk
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