Bird Boxes

[Jasmine]

;D

[bagpuss]

I have 2 home-made bird boxes, one of which was used last year and the year before by blue tits. I was a little concerned about encouraging birds to nest in the garden with having cats, but was reliably told that if I made it so that only Blue Tits and Sparrows could use them, it would not be a problem as the chicks fly the nest, rather than landing on the ground.

I have seen signs of the Blue Tits looking at the box, but that was during the snowy weather and I wasn't sure if they were just going in there for a bit of shelter.

I would really like a box with a camera in it too Jas. Would love to see how many little ones are in there.

[Jasmine]

I just find the constant activity about early May time fascinating when Mum and Dad blue-tit just don't stop flying in with food and out with the poo. I could sit and watch them coming and going for hours.
I wondered if birds just use the boxes for shelter in the bad weather.

[Ladygardener]

It would be amazing to see them inside your own box, would'nt it. We have a fair few magpies around here and I'd be worried they would steal the babies. We also have seaguls every day and I've heard they steal small birds too. A neighbour said he saw one with a bird in it's claws.

[Jasmine]

I've never seen anything like the magpie trying to wrench our bird box off the tree. It was flapping its wings like mad and using its beak to pull the box. I kept chasing it away but it did it in the end. But that was only once in 7 years. The boxes are all much more secure now.

[Ladygardener]

Must have been awful to see Jasmine. I would'nt have anywhere for a box here unless I nailed it to the wall of the house.

[snowowl]

It makes you wonder how any birds manage to raise young with all the predators around doesnt it.
I am always a bundle of nerves in spring.

[Chuckles]

I said last year that I would try and make a couple of boxes for this year, still on my list of jobs to do I usually get a Robin make a nest in the shed. Has anyone made their own boxes ?

[Jasmine]

Bit like our bench then Chuckles ;D
The boys have a few that they have made. Our local woods runs bird box making sessions during the February half term and they have been to those twice and they also made one at Scouts. The boxes that were made at the woods are made from good solid wood and have been used a lot most years.

[Tig]

My OH has made several in the past - and they have been well used. The great tit chicks I snapped a couple of years back hatched in one of his old boxes which had just been tied to a fence and was within easy reach of cats, etc ... they all survived.

I am sure the blue tits are using this box, see how the ivy has been pecked away on the front near the hole ...



x Tig

[Jasmine]

I wonder why they do that pecking thing before they settle on a box?
That is a real des res Tig with its own climber over its walls

[Jilly]

Perhaps it's the bird version of Sold subject to contract? i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd161/GWDAdmin1/Smilies/Default/smiley.gif

Jillyx

[Jasmine]

Could be i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd161/GWDAdmin1/Smilies/Default/cheesy.gif

[Ladygardener]

It does look great Tig

[Jasmine]

Looks as though 2 of our boxes are sold subject to contract ;D

[Tig]

I love that Jilly ;D

I reckon your boys could make little signs for the boxes Jas, perhaps they can make me a couple as well

x Tig

[JennyWrenn]

I think I started a Bird Box Thread last year

I did have birdes in mine last year but then after that bees and wasps had a nest in there both at the same time - one on each side - had to get the pest man in - sad bout the bees though

Last year I saw a Magpie with quite a large baby blackbird in its mouth - it was very sad as it dropped it and it died

[Jasmine]

Feb 21, 2010 21:50:34 GMT Tig said:

I love that Jilly ;D

I reckon your boys could make little signs for the boxes Jas, perhaps they can make me a couple as well

x Tig

I thought about little signs too Tig but wondered if it would put the birds off i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd161/GWDAdmin1/Smilies/Default/undecided.gif

[Tig]

If the box is 'sold subject to contract' Jas I reckon they will be too busy to notice

Once I know a 'family' have taken up residence in one of ours I tend to leave them in peace - can't say the same for the neighbourhood cats, although all our boxes are in fairly cat-proof places.

x Tig

[snowowl]

My OH put up another box for me today we have hidden it well in the clematis.

[Jasmine]

Hope your new bird box is moved into Snowy.

[Babyswan]

I made three last weekend. This one was donated to a fund raiser.



Photos of other two to follow.

[Dutchy]

Seen boxes like that before, what bird is it for babyswan?

[Jasmine]

That's great BS - one of my boys made one like that - ours is supposed to be for robins.

[Babyswan]

Thanks Dutchy, Jasmine,

yeah, the open fronted one is supposed to be for robins. I got the design from a bbc website. The other two have 28mm holes.
pics to follow. One is in a council run old folks place, sheltered housing for old people, so hopefully it'll give 'em something to look at.

[Dutchy]

Good work BS

[Babyswan]

So, here are the other two,

this first one, I gave to my niece just after Easter as a pressie, filled with a box of Cadbury Roses.





The second one is up already in the Senior's Sheltered housing complex nearby. I'll be there again in the morning.

[Jasmine]

They look smashing BS - hope they get some residents.

[Babyswan]

Here it is from another angle

[Babyswan]

and another one....yet to go up.