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Bird box question

Richard B
01/01/2014 20:18
Hi, thought i'd ask the experts on this one. I have acquired a Cedar wood bird box, and would like to place it somewhere in the grounds of my small semi detached house. The garden has a 5ft fence all around it, and their are cats regularly in the garden. And there is a workshop at the end of the garden. The garden is west facing, I live in a semi rural area, Would it be best to locate the bird box on the side of the house under the eaves, about 4-5m up or would it be best to put it on the side of the fence, about 5ft off the ground? My only concern here is that Cats will be able to get quite close. Would I have more success locating it in the garden or the side of the house? Picture of Garden attached... Thanks in advance... Rich
  • 0 01/01/2014 20:22

    Hi Rich. I can't help with the birdbox question, but I'd just like to say what a wonderful garden that is. I expect you must have some interesting visitors.

    Unicum arbustum haud alit duos erithacos

    (One bush does not shelter two Robins)

    Zenodotus (3rd Century B.C.)

     

  • 0 01/01/2014 20:39 in reply to doggie

    I would probably opt for the house wall about 2 metres off the ground & not near a side fence. This is a box that was very succesfull facing SE.

    We had to move it in the end as we had birds nesting in the front & back garden & our cat had no-where to go without being tormented!

    Best wishes

    Hazel in Southwest France

  • 0 01/01/2014 20:39 in reply to doggie
    @Monkeycheese - thanks, we've only lived here about 5 months, however so far we have seen sparrows, blackbirds, jackdaws, 1 robin, 1 wren, a warbler of some sort. From what I have read, it is best to try and encourage sparrows and starlings - is this trure? @Alan - that spot could be a contender, my only concern about the whole garden is that it is quite small, would things like mowing the lawn, and walking back and forth to the cabin at the end of the garden be an issue? The post is right next to the path...I'm guessing i would need to face it north, which would be facing the Garage wall, as i've read that sunlight and rain should be minimized with regards to the opening. I've attached a photo of the side of the house as well...
  • 0 01/01/2014 20:44 in reply to Noisette

    Hi, thanks for the info, the front of the house east facing, and the south wall is adjoining next door. I'm guessing the north wall would be best, above the driveway. Is there any reason that it should be 2m off the ground, would it be a bit quieter right at the top, just underneath the eaves?

  • 0 01/01/2014 20:51 in reply to doggie

    I agree with Alan, I shouldn't think your movements around the garden would be an issue. A family of Blue Tits nested in a hole in the wall right next to the kitchen door of the house two doors down. There would have been non stop activity and noise and they were not disturbed at all.

    Unicum arbustum haud alit duos erithacos

    (One bush does not shelter two Robins)

    Zenodotus (3rd Century B.C.)