will this be helped if i nail a bowl or cup-shaped container in the tree?

Hi Nan

If you nailed a bowl into a tree would it not leak?

Shane

Hi nan,

It is true that not all birds choose to nest in nest boxes. Some birds prefer to build nests in trees, out of twigs, leaves, grass, moss and other material that they can find. Though an interesting idea, I do not think birds will use a bowl in a tree as they will prefer to build their own or use the old nests of others.

Claire

Hi Nan

Duuh I thought you ment put a bowl in the tree with water in, sorry

Shane

thanks Shane:)

yeah what u said it s right, maybe if dig small holes on the bowl maybe metal one. just give the birds a stable base to bulid their own nest on, what do u think about this?

best

nan

thanks Claire :)

my idea is give them a stronger structure to let the birds bulid their nest on, they still use their own grass moss or leaves but much more easier. is this make sense to u?

best

nan

Blackbirds and robins occassionally build nests in some more unusual places, I have heard cases of crash helmets and watering cans in sheds being used and I can understand that you want to provide some extra support for nests, but most birds are capable of building sturdy nests and do not need such support. Have you thought about perhaps purchasing an open fronted nest box, which a Blackbird or Robin might use? You will need to site it low down in dense cover.

Claire

Don`t know if a bowl will work but would not use a metal one as it would get too hot when the weather is warm and vise versa if it was cold! Suggest putting one or two holes if you do try one so that any rain can leak out. I put tiny hanging baskets out (plastic ones) and hide them in the ivy and conifers and we have had a robin build its nest inside it. Good luck. Ladybird

thanks u Claire:)