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I sighted my box 3 years ago on a wall outside my bedroom which is facing north-east ish.. on advice from varoius people and have had no residents at all ! Blue tits have shown an interest several times, but always move on . Any clues as to why..and is it too late to move it somewhere else...?
Hi Beverley
I've no idea why some nestboxes aren't used. Mine hasn't been used either, but I re-sited it at the beginning of this year.
Is it too close to feeders, too far away from surrounding trees or bushes, too low, too high, does it have a clear flight path to it?
The RSPB have some advice Here that may help.
I think it's probably too late to re-site it this year and get birds nesting in it, but maybe you should consider re-siting it in autumn.
Best wishes Chris
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Hi Beverly,
Woodpecker has given you some great advice.
There is no right or wrong time to put up a box.
The earlier the better generally (the winter is generally advised), to possibly hold a roosting bird during cold nights.
If the situation is right, and you've seen a pair that would use a box looking around your garden, you can get away with putting it up very late.
If you're looking at a cam box, certainly earlier is best - as you'll then have plenty of time to iron out any teething problems such as focusing the lens etc... without any fear of disturbing any potential nestees! As for situating the box - bear in mind where the sun will be in May for example and make sure the box won't get the full sun all day so it won't overheat.
Advisable to make sure the entrance is not facing the prevailing weather (S, W, SW in the UK) - so wind and rain don't chill the inside of the box.
Then make sure its cat proof (or as cat proof as you can get it).
It's no gaurantee it will be used in the first or second year or at all, I have erected over 500 boxes at various sites which some sites have a very poor uptake!
If there is surfice natural nesting sites then this could be the other answer to your question.
I surpose you can compare it to wether you would move into the first house you looked at?
Wish you luck and hope yours will be used.
Regards Buzzard
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