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Hi all,
Just read a post from Chaffinch about his bird boxes and he commented about the fact that it is likely that he wont have anything else nest in them this season.
I have been egerly awaiting the arrival of my Apex box from the RSPB (for becoming a member) but it still has not arrived, and now be the sounds of it, i'm too late to get any guest of our own to nest in it.
So my question/s is this. Is it still worth putting it up when it does arrive, or waiting till the autumn now. Do I fill it with anything or just let them do the job? Was going to situate it on the apex wall of my garage above my side door. Is this a good spot for it? I have a willow tree and another tree in the garden, is it best on there (lots of cats in the area though)?
Any and all advice read and taken.
Regards
Chappers (and the Wife.)
'Educate' me, on the wonders of nature.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chappers360/
Utterly unscientific answer, but I would stick it up.
You may not get any birds nesting in it, but you definately won't in the shed or the kitchen cupboard. Besides which, they will get used to it being there if you put it out when it arrives.
I've still got blue tits checking out my nest box, but nothing in it thus far .. keeping my fingers crossed!
Ant
"IT IS SAID THAT LIFE FLASHES BEFORE YOUR EYES BEFORE YOU DIE. THAT IS TRUE, IT'S CALLED LIVING."Death - Terry Pratchett (The Last Continent).
Hi Chappers
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).
There is no need to put anything in the box, I would go for one of the tree's if it is suitable.
There is no gaurantee it will be used in the first or second year or at all, I have erected over 500 boxes at various sites where some sites have a very poor uptake! The boxes never been used at all. On the other hand forty boxes were erected at one site and I had a 90% uptake in the first year.
Wish you luck and hope yours will be used.
Regards Buzzard
Nature Is Amazing - Let Us Keep It That Way
Unknown said: Utterly unscientific answer, but I would stick it up. You may not get any birds nesting in it, but you definately won't in the shed or the kitchen cupboard. Besides which, they will get used to it being there if you put it out when it arrives. I've still got blue tits checking out my nest box, but nothing in it thus far .. keeping my fingers crossed! Ant
Thansk for replying Ponty, and yep, got me fingers crossed for you mate.
Unknown said: hi chappers i'm still waiting for mine and whenever it comes its going up alan
hi chappers
i'm still waiting for mine and whenever it comes its going up
alan
Hi Doggie,
Your waiting on your's too?! Yeah seem to be taking ages, but its probably my awful inpatience for it, I've only been a member for 2 weeks, but I would have at least expect my pack to arrive by now since we joined. But nope, nothing yet :(
Here's hoping neither of us have to wait much longer.
Buzzard said: Hi Chappers 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). There is no need to put anything in the box, I would go for one of the tree's if it is suitable. Regards Buzzard
Wow, thank you Buzzard for such an informative reply.
I definately feel that the apex side wall of the garage is the best suitable place for it then, Its cat proof (to a point) not directly in the sun all day, out of the way fo the wind (which does blow down our very open, short alley way from the back door to the garden) and out of the way of the rain, cos the roof of the garage will block most if not all. We have a willow in the garden which has lots of broken twigs on the floor, good for nest use i hope.
As for weather I go for a camera box or not is another matter, Having not had a box before probably not worth it this time round, but if it gets ome interest, then I might swop it for a camera box another year and set that one up to watch. Would be great to get some pic's for the forum though eh :)
Thanks again everyone for posting.
The RSPB also offer lots of good advice about nest boxes in their Helping Birds section Here
Best wishes Chris
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