Nest Box Challenge

National Nest Box Week was in February and local nature conservation charity, the Ulster Wildlife Trust encouraged everyone to put up a nest box in their garden, to make sure garden birds had plenty of homes this spring.

It is never to late to help out our feathered friends. If you would like to do something, here are the Ulster Wildlife Trust's top nest box tips:

Waste not, want not

An old kettle or flowerpot pushed sideways into a hedge can make a perfect nesting site for robins and is kind on your pocket too. However, if you do use unconventional items make sure they’re safe and can’t fill with water.

Make your own

There’s nothing more satisfying than watching a young family being raised in a nest box you have made yourself. For best results use thick wood to increase insulation, include a hinged lid for ease of cleaning and drill small holes in the base for drainage.

Size Matters

The species of bird that a nest box attracts will depend on its size. For example, blue tits use small, traditional boxes with a small entrance hole whereas starlings need a bigger model with a larger entrance hole. Robins and wrens, on the other hand will choose an open-fronted box hidden in vegetation.

Location, Location!

Site your nest box in a sheltered position on a tree or wall at about head height, avoiding the midday sun and prevailing winds. Also avoid sites that expose the box to disturbance by humans, predators and other birds.

Create the right habitat

Providing the right habitat surrounding your nest box is also important. Berry-bearing shrubs will provide shelter and food, bird baths or ponds are essential for water, whilst thrushes love to forage in compost heaps.

Keep it clean

In the late autumn, when the fledglings have left the nest, be sure to remove any old nesting materials and clean the box thoroughly with soap and boiling water to kill any parasites.
For further information, please contact:
Kelly Muldoon on 028 4483 0282 or email kelly.muldoon@ulsterwildlifetrust.org

To get advice log on to the Ulster Wildlife Trust.org
Or go to the British Trust for Ornithology at www.BTO.org or to
Living with Birds

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