When I am attempting to attract a particular bird to nest on my property I do a bit of research beforehand. Do your research if you honestly wish birds to nest in your yard. Putting up a house is not enough. They need food, water, habitat and the correct nesting materials or they will keep looking until they find such a spot. There is plenty out there on backyard bird feeding, providing water, etc but know what a species needs to nest.

To determine what a particular species needs are first visit Ebird and use their “Explore Data” feature to see if that species has been sighted in your area.

Research what the bird requires to build a nest. Habitat, nesting materials, what they eat and what month they breed. Make certain what they need to actually construct their nest is on your property – birds can be very particular about this. An American goldfinch (not a bird house dweller but a desirable nester!) will use bark bound together with spider and caterpillar webs and line the inside of the nest with plant silk from cattails, thistles or milkweed. A Great crested flycatcher who will nest in a box uses twigs, bark fibers, leaves, feathers, rope, hair and sometimes snake skin. For them to breed in your yard they must provide these things. Take stock of your natural nesting materials and supplement what isn’t naturally available. Brush your dog outside for hair, buy an inexpensive down pillow at a bargain store and use the feathers to begin a small nesting material pile in your garden. Select a protected dry spot preferably on the ground. I personally have found ground level to work the best. A plain suet basket can be a nesting material cage, birds can easily pull items from it. Be ready for a given species the month they breed in your area.

You will want a local bird guide to start with. On top of my local guide my favorite books are:

The Audubon Society Encyclopedia of North American Birds – This book is not a bird ID nor picture book. It’s an encyclopedia and has a lot more than just bird species in it, but with each species it will tell you when they nest and what their nesting materials are. I believe it is out of print but don’t be afraid to buy it used.

Lives of North American Birds – Another encyclopedia type reference with details on each species. Habitat, range maps, nesting materials and nesting seasons.

For house building, there are many plans on the internet but I also like these:

The Complete Book of Birdhouse Construction for Woodworkers – This book is plans, just plans. It’s a good little reference if you know what you are doing with wood. I’ve had fairly decent results with some of their ideas. It’s very inexpensive to boot.

Birdhouses, Feeders You Can Make (Project Books) – Another book of simple plans. I’ve pulled this out a few times over they years and keep it in my library.

Building Birdhouses and Feeders (Ortho Library) – Simple plans for feeders and houses, one I’ve used frequently and kept around. Most of the designs are easy, and when it comes to birds, that’s what usually works best.

2 Responses to “Get Ready for Nesting Season”

1. snowman says:

   02/11 at 8:36 am

   Thank you for this wonderful post and interesting blog. Last Spring, a bird made a nest on the balcony of my apartment. That was quite a surprise. Perhaps I’ll try to lure another one this year
2. Carolflowerhill says:

   03/11 at 8:04 am

   Great advice Karyl! It is exciting to think of the birds returning!!
   Carolflowerhill recently posted..Birds in Review Part XXII A Bird Parade Palm Warbler