How cool is it to come home from the daily workday grind to relax, and watch the little chirpers out in your backyard. Each day, a new marvel unfolds as a different little bird joins the group who frequent your feeder or birdhouse. Whatever your motives for providing a birdhouse, whether like me, you need to distress, or whether you are saving a specific species, or just being kind to these adorable little creatures, you need to make sure your birdhouse actually servers their needs.
Some birdhouses are really elaborate, and look like teeny-tiny replicas of famous buildings. Others are very simple, maybe even the handwork of a favorite grandson who crafted it from popsicle sticks. They all provide shelter, but what are the characteristics that actually attract specific birds to your yard. I cannot pretend to have the answer to that one for all bird species. If you know the species that you want to attract, then a bit of research is in order to figure out what draws those specific birds.
There are a number of features to think about as you consider your birdhouse purchase. The building material decision, is really based on the look you want to achieve in your yard, and how much you want to invest, but color is something you can use to attract the birds you want. Wood birdhouses in earth tones are very popular, but some species will be attracted to brighter colors.
The size of the entrance hole is a factor is determining who you will attract. Some of the bigger birds can be aggressive, so a hole size that keeps them out will encourage the smaller birds to make their home inside.
Drainage is an important factor for a birdhouse, as is the ability to clean it. It is nice to have a removable wall, to help with the latter, and small holes in the bottom can eliminate moisture build-up. Having air circulate freely also makes the environment in your birdhouse warm and inviting for your bird friends. Size of the interior is critical because your feathered friends will want to build their nests, but a space that is too large, can be too daunting for them.
A perch on the front of the house, can look really good, but potentially be a spot where enemies lurk to catch your bird friends off guard.
By putting some effort into researching bird species, and by planning what you want to achieve, you will be able to find just the right birdhouse with the right features to attract the birds you want. Years of pleasure and enjoyment will be yours if you make the right decisions up front. Not to mention the pleasure of having a community of feathered friends who enjoy your garden as much as you do…………
