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Canal birds need nesting boxes

24th Feb 2010

Wanted: one bedroom house, previous owners not a problem, for immediate occupancy

The RSPB is making a final call for putting up nest boxes. The breeding season will soon get underway and whilst some birds will have already chosen their nest sites, a few species may still take up residence.

Tim Webb, RSPB London Communications Officer, said: "If you’ve still got nest boxes sitting in your shed or garage, now is the time to get them out. Ideally nest boxes should go up in autumn for winter shelter followed by breeding, but you could still get birds coming to nest if you put boxes up now."

Tits will not seriously investigate nesting sites until February or March and spotted flycatchers won’t be arriving in the UK until April or May. Some birds have multiple broods and robins and wrens may use a nest box that has recently been put up for later broods.

Nest boxes are excellent substitutes for holes in old trees. Just like we put out supplementary food in gardens to help our birds we can also create extra homes for them too.

What type of nesting box?

The species that use your nest box will depend on the type of box, where it is located and its surroundings.

Boxes for blue tits, sparrows or starlings should be fixed two to four metres up a tree or wall. Face the box between north and east away from strong sunlight and the wettest winds. These birds need clear flight paths without clutter in front of the entrance.

House sparrows and starlings will readily use next boxes placed high under eaves and two or three can be spaced out on the same side of the house.

Robins and wrens need open fronted boxes placed low down, well hidden in vegetation.

Woodpecker boxes need to be three to five metres high on a tree trunk with a clear flight path and away from disturbance.

To find out more about gardening for wildlife visit www.rspb.org.uk/hfw. To order a variety of nest boxes visit www.rspb.org.uk/shop

Last updated: 24/02/2010

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