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Nest is best
Last modified: 10 February 2012
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The RSPB is making a final call for anyone who hasn't got their nestboxes up yet to do it this weekend.
The breeding season will get underway in early March, and while some birds may have already chosen their nest sites, there are still some who have yet to decide where they'll raise their family over the spring and summer months.
Many birds will also use them as a place to shelter while the weather is bad in the next few days too, particularly species like blue tits, wrens, coal tits. Robins and great tits.
Richard James, RSPB wildlife adviser, said: 'If you've got nestboxes gathering dust in your shed, or have thought about making or buying one, then now's the time to do something about it.
'Ideally nestboxes should go up in autumn for winter shelter followed by breeding, but you may just be lucky if you don't delay. It may be cold outside but if you can do one thing outdoors this weekend, make it that.
'As well as preparing for the breeding season, at the moment you'll be providing valuable shelter'
'And as well as preparing for the breeding season, at the moment you'll be providing valuable shelter during these icy conditions.'
nestboxes are excellent substitutes for holes in old trees. Just like we put out supplementary food in gardens to help our birds we can also create extra homes for them.
Tits will not seriously start to investigate nesting sites until February or March and spotted flycatchers won't be arriving in the UK until April or May. Some birds have multiple broods and robins and wrens may use a nestbox that has recently been put up for later broods.
Over 60 bird species are known to have used nestboxes, but the most regular residents who are most likely to move in are blue tits and nuthatches, as well as house sparrows and starlings, which are both declining.
The species that use your nestbox will depend on the type of box, where it is located and its surroundings.
Boxes for blue tits, sparrows or starlings should be fixed two to four metres up a tree, wall or the side of your house. Face the box between north and east away from strong sunlight and the wettest winds. These birds need clear flight paths without clutter in front of the entrance.
House sparrows and starlings will readily use nestboxes placed high under eaves and two or three can be spaced out on the same side of the house.
Swifts nest on buildings and virtually nowhere else so they really need our help with nest sites. Position special swift boxes under the eaves of your house, away from any windows and out of the direct sun, wind and rain. The birds will start to arrive from their wintering grounds in Africa in May.
Robins and wrens need open-fronted boxes placed low down, well-hidden in vegetation.
Woodpecker boxes need to be three to five metres high on a tree trunk with a clear flight path and away from disturbance.
Until 21 February 2012, the RSPB is offering 10 per cent off nestboxes.* For details, visit our online shop, call our order line on 0845 1 200 501 or visit one of our retail shops.
*Terms and conditions apply.