• Hooky
  • 14 Apr 2023 3:06 PM
  • Replies 3 replies
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Bird Boxes UK

Hi,

   Some of the readers will know I have been working on a bird box project. Phase one is complete and phase two will be shortly.

   My further cunning plan is this.

   One of the national bird bodies. RSPB or BTO should start a national campaign to erect nest boxes in all suitable

   spaces and places especially in urban and semi-urban areas. 

   Do I need to list the benefits?

   Any campaign will need your support or it will not even get to the first bird box.

   Your thoughts?

Best regards,

Hooky.

  • ItisaRobbo
    There are sporadic, species specific campaigns. The biggest benefit, IMO, is to focus on species that really require our help. Swifts and starlings are the two most obvious nest box species. For the more popular species, the biggest limiting factors are habitat & food supply. Lots of nestboxes might generate lots of breeding attempts, but won't necessarily increase populations. You then have the much more controversial conversations like species competition, where for example, blue tits will always out compete willow and marsh tits, for food, nest sites, everything. If they keep increasing, there's a risk of direct correlation with willow and marsh decreasing. Obviously, the latter two species aren't really urban birds, but overspill of blue tits into their habitats is an ongoing issue.
  • Hooky

    In reply to ItisaRobbo:

    Good points. My idea was a basic one. It is there to be fine tuned. Not many people would think that the skittish raucous starling is in any sort of danger. Swift boxes are a must for all churches. I.M.O. I am about to approach my main church for permission. As I understand it the swift call audio box is a distinct advantage. I will have to move quickly as the swifts will be here soon. Unless one of the readers has already spotted them. I like the idea of swift bricks. Not sure if all new builds have them. I would love to see that.
    If proposed bird boxes concentrate of urban and semi-urban species to start then it will bring the issues that concern birders and readers of our chats to the wider audience. As far as I know the sites for swifts would be very limited. Churches and tall towers/buildings.

    Hooky.
  • ItisaRobbo

    In reply to Hooky:

    I have swifts nesting on the back of the house. Houses have been historically where most swifts have nested here. So long as there's enough height and clear access any building is fine. If you do follow up swifts, definitely focus on vertical entrance ones. Otherwise you end up with expensive house sparrows nest sites.

    Re starlings, yes, if doing boxes for them, which they do need in many areas, possibly especially so in the South of England, you may need to ensure the community are onboard.