Finding the right house: birds and their nests

Posted 6/01/2020

Bird houses

Identifying Nests and Eggs: So you found an unidentified nest, and want to know what bird it belongs to? With a little detective work, you can determine whose nest or eggs you found.

Where to start – If the nest is active, watch from a safe distance with binoculars to see if any birds approach the nest. Female birds can be hard to identify, so if you’re not sure what species it is, write down a careful description and use a regional field guide to identify the species.

What nesting materials are safe (or not safe) for birds? – To successfully help your birds with their nest building—and save them valuable energy for breeding—here are some recommendations for providing bird-friendly nesting materials. 

  • Twigs or small sticks
  • Leaves and other yard waste
  • Small pieces of straw
  • Grass clippings

What birds prefer a Bird House? – Bluebirds, purple martins, house wrens, chickadees, tree swallows and house sparrows are the most common occupants. Attracting birds like wood ducks, screech-owls, woodpeckers, titmice and nuthatches may also be possible. Learn how to place, protect and care for your birdhouses.

15 DIY Birdhouse Plans and Ideas – These DIY birdhouses are fun to make, and they’ll save you a few dollars, which you can opt to spend on some birdseed for a bird feeder or two.

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