Aluminium nails can be obtained for fixing nest boxes to trees. The rationale being that aluminium won't have a big negative effect of a chain saw wielder of the tree is taken down at a later date, whereas a steel nail would/could. Aluminium nails don't kill trees. (Well, larger ones anyway - last used on a ~15 y/o european larch). I still prefer a loop of wire which is regularly re-adjusted (can be combined with an annual removal of old nesting material, which may harbour 'pests'/parasites). Removing a nest bow nailed to a tree is not conducive to the structural integrity of the nest box.
Current science is starting to indicate that the copper nail stories are not based in science. But studies are still ongoing.
The aucuba (the bush) may turn into a nesting site for birds which are not hole nesters (e.g. blackbird, goldfinch). Depends on the branching structure inside the external (evergreen) foliage cover. Pruning/distrubance. From a gardening perspective, thorny shrubs (e.g. pyracantha, berberis) may be more attractive to non-hole nesting birds.
Just my 2uppence worth.
Current science is starting to indicate that the copper nail stories are not based in science. But studies are still ongoing.
The aucuba (the bush) may turn into a nesting site for birds which are not hole nesters (e.g. blackbird, goldfinch). Depends on the branching structure inside the external (evergreen) foliage cover. Pruning/distrubance. From a gardening perspective, thorny shrubs (e.g. pyracantha, berberis) may be more attractive to non-hole nesting birds.
Just my 2uppence worth.
"Current science is starting to indicate that the copper nail stories are not based in science. But studies are still ongoing"
This could indicate the lack of videos showing that this method works. I recently looked one up on youtube (I think it is the only one there) and the conclusion of the video is, er . . . well, no spoilers, lol. See for yourself www.youtube.com/watch
I have looked at the advice here on the main website and it says something about attaching boxes to trees using wire. But, er. I cannot really see a viable way of doing that without having to nail something into the tree - which would invalidate the whole point.
I could hang something from a branch, but then it would blow around in the wind.
This is the part:
www.rspb.org.uk/.../
"Fixing your nestbox with nails may damage the tree. It is better to attach it either with a nylon bolt or with wire around the trunk or branch. Use a piece of hose or section of car tyre around the wire to prevent damage to the tree. Remember that trees grow in girth as well as height, and check the fixing every two or three years."
www.rspb.org.uk/.../
"Fixing your nestbox with nails may damage the tree. It is better to attach it either with a nylon bolt or with wire around the trunk or branch. Use a piece of hose or section of car tyre around the wire to prevent damage to the tree. Remember that trees grow in girth as well as height, and check the fixing every two or three years."
Though I am wondering what exactly is going to stop the wire just sliding down the tree trunk taking the nesting box with it?
(a) and (b) rely on friction. (c) can increase friction in cases (a) and (b).
Depends on (a) angle of the primary tree trunk - trees are not always vertical (b) the bark of the tree (which relates to tree species) (c) whether theres a suitable side branch that the wire can be looped over (cover the wire with cushioning and regularly check).
Larger diameter trunks also increase friction potential.
Depends on (a) angle of the primary tree trunk - trees are not always vertical (b) the bark of the tree (which relates to tree species) (c) whether theres a suitable side branch that the wire can be looped over (cover the wire with cushioning and regularly check).
Larger diameter trunks also increase friction potential.
I've sometimes worked with positioning boxes on semi-mature trees. Some of which I can't wrap my arms around.