As more and more trees are cut and land is cleared for development, it becomes increasingly important to provide safe nesting areas for birds and other wildlife. As you plan your landscape keep in mind that some birds will nest in cavities, others on treee branches and some will nest on the ground. By providing a wide range of plant material you will be better able to draw more species to your habitat. Standing, dead trees make excellent homes for cavity nesters. If at all possible leave these trees standing and they may well provide a home for a woodpecker or owl.
The first year we lived in our home we noticed that a pair of chickadees made a nest inside the wall of our garage. During the winter we covered over the original nest entrance and placed a chickadee nest box in the same spot. This spring the nest box was used to successfully raise a clutch of chickadee babies. The box will allow us to clean out the nesting material in the fall rather than let the old material continue to build up between the walls of the garage.
We have added a bluebird box and a robin nesting shelf. The bluebird box was not used in 2000 but in 2001 we had a pair of Western Bluebirds raise a family! We had success when we placed the opening facing the east and toward a pine tree the parents can land in before they fly into the box.
The robin nesting shelf was not used so we moved it to another location. It now faces the east and is nearby the beam that Steller's Jays used to build a nest. The Steller's Jays built a nest on this beam in 2001 and successfully raised four babies there.
As you watch the wildlife and birds in your yard you will begin to notice where they like to perch and feed and raise their young. You can then make adjustments in the placement of the nest boxes. You can purchase nest boxes or make your own. There are several good sites on the web with instructions for constructing boxes.
