Creating a Wildlife Garden: Nest Sites
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Aug 2, 2009 | by Adrian Binns
Another easy step that can be taken to create a wildlife garden is to install nest boxes. Cavities are important to over 60 species of North American birds that use them as roosting and nesting sites.
Birds unable to find natural tree cavities, or abandoned woodpecker holes, will certainly utilize nest boxes that you install. Nest boxes come in all sizes, with specific sized entrance holes to attract certain species. Wood Ducks and screech-owls require entrance holes that are about 4 inches in diameter, whereas a 1 1/2 inch diameter hole is needed for bluebirds and a slightly smaller one for chickadees and wrens. Make sure that you have the right sized box, and habitat, for the species that you would like to attract. Since most of us have wrens, titmouse and chickadees in our yards, boxes for these birds would be an excellent place to start.
Above, a House Wren in the process of nest building, is attempting to place an oversized twig into the box through the entrance hole. House Wrens advertise their presence and claim of a cavity site by making sure a twig is visible at the entrance. Look closely at the above photo and you will see one. The vine surrounding the box is a clematis that has just finished blooming.
photo © adrian binns
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I would like to try that one.