When thinking about where to position your bird box camera it’s important to understand that different species of birds nest in different types of boxes and prefer different locations.
General rules for siting bird boxes;
- Bird boxes should be sheltered from the wind, rain and strong sunlight.
- Ideally angled between north and east (northern hemisphere).
- Avoid busy areas of the garden.
- Inaccessible to predators (cats, squirrels, mice and rats).
- The box needs to be close to perches for the young chicks to perch before fledging, but make sure the branches are not strong enough to hold predators.
- Make sure the birds have a pretty clear flight path to the nest, especially avoid clutter near the entrance to the bird box.
- At least 10metres from another box.
- Tilted slightly downwards so that rain water flows off the roof.
- Don’t damage the tree when fixing the box to it. Secure it with a strap or wire rather than nail.
Species specific notes
| Bird | Bird box design | Height from ground | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Tit | 25mm hole | 2-4 metres | In a tree or attached to a wall |
| Coal Tit | 25mm hole | 2-4 metres | In a tree or attached to a wall |
| Great Tit | 28 or 32mm hole | 2-4 metres | In a tree or attached to a wall |
| House Sparrow | 32mm hole or terrace box | 2-4 metres | In a tree or attached to a wall |
| House Martin | Nest bowls | Under the house eaves | |
| Kestrel | Large nest box with open front | At least 5 metres | Clear flight path to entrance |
| Marsh Tit | 25mm hole | 2-4 metres | In a tree or attached to a wall |
| Nuthatch | 32mm hole | 3 metres | In a tree or attached to a wall |
| Pied Flycatcher | 28mm hole | 2-4 metres | In a tree or attached to a wall |
| Robin | Open fronted (100mm panel) | Below 2m | Well-hidden in vegetation |
| Starling | long with a 45mm hole near the roof | 2-4 metres | In a tree or attached to a wall |
| Spotted Flycatcher | Open fronted (60mm panel) | 2-4 metres | Sheltered by vegetation but with a clear outlook |
| Tree Creeper | Wedge shaped box | Attached to a tree | |
| Tree Sparrow | 28mm hole | 2-4 metres | provide two or more sets of boxes so that birds can set up colonies |
| Woodpecker | long with a hole near the roof | 2-5 metres | On a tree trunk with a clear flight path and away from disturbance |
| Wren | Open fronted (140mm panel) | Below 2m | Well-hidden in vegetation |
I have found this book Birdhouses You Can Build in a Day it looks like the perfect guide to making bird boxes with all kinds of bird house plans. 50 bird box designs included with step by step guides. The reviews on Amazon look great, I can’t wait to get my hands on this one.
