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Despite the freezing conditions outside, many birds turn their attention to nest site prospecting even in the darkest depths of winter. This may be tied into looking for invertebrate food as much as planning for the breeding season but it's interesting behaviour either way, have you seen any birds checking out nest boxes recently?
Birds will also be making use of nesting boxes for a safe winter roosting site so keep an eye out for wrens, tits and sparrows diving into boxes at dusk. Those with nest box cameras may well get an insight into who and how many birds are stopping over night. I think the highest count for a communal wren roost was 62!
Warden Intern at Otmoor.
Thanks so much Ian, much appreciated :)
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Regards, Hazel
Thanks also to Wendy and Linda for their suggestions :)
I've saved an old feather pillow and I'm hoping, if I put some in something like a peanut feeder, they'll be used come spring. Cheering me up, all this planning for spring!
Following this thread I have popped up a nest box. As you can see from the photos, it is near the house. I have followed the instructions as the box needs to be in clear view for the birds. But my concern is, is it too close to the house or will it be used? It's opposite the kitchen window, which suits me fine, but just hope its in the right location.
Cheers, Jason
Also, is it a good idea to put some food near it? Or just leave it be?
The locations pretty good unless cats are an issue, in which case some sort of prickly device above the box or on the top of the fence post might keep them away.
It's best not to put food in or near to the box, you want the birds to feel safe in there and food might attract in competitors that are unwelcome
Cheers Ian, I did put the box there last year but nothing took residence! I'll see what happens this time
I believe Aldi will soon be selling nestboxes with cctv camera installed. If you consider buying one remember wireless cctv cameras still need a powerpoint within a few feet of the nestbox. You also need another close to the receiver.
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Checkout the forums' Community HOMEPAGE for lots of interesting posts from other members.
If they are the same as the one I bought from Aldi, they are a good buy. Mine isn't wireless.
Cheers, Linda.
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I would love to put out the fluff from the tumble dryer for the birds, but I have always been a bit concerned that it seems a bit powdery when it breaks up. Is it ok to use, I can see how warm and cosy it would make a nest, and it seems a waste to just throw it away.
What a wonderful world :))