Just like our homes, not all birdhouses are the same. Learn how to tell which birdhouses are best for our avian neighbors.
Hi, this is Scott Fitzpatrick from New Hampshire Audubon, bringing you Something Wild.
It might be hard to resist that cleverly-decorated birdhouse at your local mega-mart, but before you put that sparkly, fairy tale castle birdhouse into your cart, beware. What's pretty may not be best - or even safe - for the birds.
Before you purchase a birdhouse, do your research. What kind of birds do you want to attract? Many species have very specific requirements or preferences - even the size of the entrance hole can make the difference between attracting charming chickadees or destructive European starlings.
Placement of the house is important, too. Location, height, direction and habitat all matter to your potential tenants.
Here are a few pointers. First, New Hampshire's native birds do not need perches on their houses. Perches may actually encourage non-native species to move in.
Next, all birdhouses need to have proper ventilation and drainage holes. Natural wood is probably the best material for houses - cedar, cypress and pine are good choices. Wood should be at least one half inch thick to provide enough insulation from temperature changes. Weathered, natural wood helps to hide the nest box and keep eggs and chicks safe from predators. Brightly painted houses might look attractive to us, but many birds, particularly woodland species, prefer less ostentatious homes.
And speaking of predators, don't unwittingly create a death trap for your new feathered neighbors. Place birdhouses out of reach of cats and other bird-eating critters. Baffles are available to keep raccoons and other predators from reaching the nest. Safety first!
Finally, your new birdhouse should have easy access for annual cleaning. And why not consider building your own birdhouse? There are many simple plans available to help you build just the right home for your avian friends.
For Something Wild, I’m Scott Fitzpatrick.
Something Wild is a joint production of New Hampshire Audubon, New Hampshire Public Radio, and the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests.
