Where To Place A Birdhouse
Where to place a birdhouse? This is a good and important question, because hanging the birdhouse in what you think is a good place may not actually be suitable for birds. We will give you instructions on how to start when hanging a birdhouse. In addition, we will point out separately where to install birdhouses for well-known bird species.
Four main points, Where to place a birdhouse
If you have a question of where to place a birdhouse, you probably have a birdhouse. There are four main points to keep in mind when placing a birdhouse.
First, look at your birdhouse and measure the entrance hole size. It depends on which bird species can fit there. If you know which bird species it is suitable for, then the location of the birdhouse must be chosen according to the bird species.
Here is birdhouse entrance hole sizes chart.
Second is the height of the birdhouse from the ground. Each bird species has its own nesting height where it is comfortable and safe for them to raise their young.
Third, it’s important to make sure that the birdhouse is secure and stable. The birdhouse should be attached to a sturdy post or tree trunk, and it should not wobble or sway in the wind. Most birds do not like swaying birdhouses. If you hang the birdhouse on a tree branch, probably no one will use it because it will sway in the wind. The only bird that can use it is the wren.
Fourth, the bird house should be placed in a place that is not easily accessible to predators. It should also be placed in a location protected from harsh weather such as strong winds or direct rain. Birds want peace during nesting, place the birdhouse at least 50ft (15m) away from the bird feeder.
Place a birdhouse by bird species.
Below we have a long list of bird species and where to place their birdhouses.
Where to place bluebird houses
If you think where to hang bluebird house then the answer is do not hang bluebird house. Bluebirds like a birdhouse that stays firmly in place. For this, you can use a metal post (which you can get here) or you can place the bluebird house on the fence or on the house wall. Place bluebird house around 4 to 6 feet above the ground, facing east or north an open fields or meadows, away from heavily wooded areas. The bluebird likes to nest low, so be sure to use a predator guard.
Here is a good bluebird house predator guard overview.
Where to place a chickadee birdhouse
Chickadees prefer to nest in wooded areas, near the edge of the forest. If you have a tree or bush in your yard/garden, then this place is right for a chickadee birdhouse. Chickadees like when the nesting place is hidden. Don’t worry, they will find your birdhouse 🙂 Place a birdhouse 5 to 15 feet above the ground, facing east or southeast.
Purple martin house placement
Purple Martins are social birds and prefer to nest in large colonies. A good location for a Purple Martin house is in an open area, at least 30 feet away from trees and other structures. The house should be 10 to 15 feet above the ground and should have multiple compartments.
Here is purple martin house plans and installing equipments
Where to place a wren house
Wrens are social birds. They not afraid to nest near people. You can even install the wren birdhouse on the terrace where you can watch them up close. But in general wrens prefer to nest in areas with dense vegetation such as shrubs, bushes or trees. Mount the birdhouse on a post, wall or hang it on a hook but make sure that it is 6 to 10 feet off the ground, facing east or southeast.
Sparrow birdhouse placements
Mount sparrow birdhouse on a pole, building fasade or fence near some trees or bushes and hight should be 6 to 10 feet above the ground. Make sure the entrance hole faces away from prevailing winds and towards a nearby tree or shrub.
Mount birdhouse for kestrel
Kestrels like wide-open area such as a field or pasture. Mount birdhouse for kestrel on post or tree trunk 10 to 20 feet above the ground and face entrance hole towards a nearby tree or pole.
Mount birdhouse for nuthatch
Nuthatch likes if their nesting place is hidden. That’s why mount the birdhouse on a tree or a post in a wooded area and 6 to 10 feet above the ground.
Where to put a robin nest box
Robin birdhouses should be placed in a fairly open area. They prefer areas with scattered trees, open woodlands and also parks, gardens and backyards. Mount robin nest box on a building facade or on a metal post at least 6 to 15 feet above the ground. Robin doesn’t like noise avoid areas with heavy foot traffic.
How Far Apart Should Birdhouses Be Placed?
Again, the answer depends on what species you’re trying to attract to your garden. Some species don’t mind sheltering in close proximity to other birds. Many are naturally territorial and won’t use a birdhouse if it’s too close to other nesting spots.
Some bird species like wrens will actively fill all of the birdhouses in a particular location – often with bits of garden debris – to render them unusable for other visitors. If this happens, you’ll need to empty these ‘fake’ nests to make room for other birds.
Our advice is to place birdhouses around five meters apart to allow for maximum usage. There’s nothing to stop you placing many birdboxes around your garden. However, our recommendation is to stop at two or three boxes if you want to give visiting birds the best shelter possible.
What Direction Should a Birdhouse Face?
Now, this is a question with a firm answer at last. The optimum direction for a birdhouse to face is the east. Birdhouses facing east get the best of everything. They benefit from the warmth of the early morning sunshine. Plus, they don’t overheat as the sun rises and sets in the afternoon.
Birdhouses facing in different directions will attract some visitors. However, the lack of protection from the elements will be an issue for others. Some other tips include facing the birdhouse away from strong winds. You should also ensure that it’s not too close to bird feeders and bird tables, particularly if they are frequented by cats and other local critters.
Best place to put a birdhouse
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