Tick the right boxes (From Worcester News)

Tick the right boxes

3:17pm Monday 1st March 2010 in

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IT’S that time of the year when the bird population begins to think about procreating all across Worcestershire and Herefordshire.

The breeding season will soon get under way and while some birds may have already chosen their nest sites, a few species have still not taken up residence. So the Royal Society fot the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is making a final call for putting up nest boxes and urging anyone who hasn’t done so yet to do it straight away.

As the RSPB’s Tony Whitehead said: “If you still have nest boxes in your shed or garage, now is the time to get them placed. Ideally nest boxes 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 chilly but make that your one outdoor job this weekend.”

More than 60 bird species are known to have used nest boxes.

Blue tits and great tits will not seriously 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 nest box that has recently been put up for later broods.

Mr Whitehead said: “Nest boxes 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, too. The species that use your nest box 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 or wall. 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 nest boxes placed high under eaves and two or three can be spaced out on the same side of a house. Robins need openfronted boxes placed low down, well-hidden in vegetation. And don’t forget birds such as swifts.

Nestboxes for these birds could really help their population this coming summer.”

Most nest boxes are simply designed and have a hole in the front. This should be a different size depending on the type of bird you’re trying to attract. For blue tits, coal tits and marsh tits, make or buy a box with a small hole, about 25mm (1in) across. For great tits, nuthatches, house sparrows and tree sparrows: put up a box with a slightly bigger hole, about 32mm (1¼ in) across.

Robins, wrens and pied wagtails prefer open-fronted boxes, but these can be vulnerable to attack by cats so make sure you put them somewhere safe.

A few other tips. Site nest boxes so that they are sheltered from the wind, rain and strong sunlight. If they are in full sun, the chicks could overheat and die.

Position boxes 1.5-5m (5 to 16ft) above ground for safety from predators and to replicate natural nesting habits. Also check that any box you buy or make is dry and has small drainage holes at the bottom.

If it has a lid, make sure it’s secure so that magpies and squirrels can’t raid the nest. It’s important the chicks have somewhere to perch when they first leave the nest, so put the box near some smaller branches that won’t hold the weight of larger predators, but will support fledglings.

Finally, avoid putting up boxes in busy areas of the garden, such as near a bird table or feeders.

Robins and wrens in particular look for nesting sites in good cover.

Bird boxes can be home-made or bought, usually through garden centres or the RSPB. To find out more about gardening for wildlife visit rspb.org.uk/hfw.