NEST BOX INFO
See below for information on how to build nest boxes and how best to site them in your yard.
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife - living with wildlife
Nesting and Roosting Boxes for Birds:
As you can see in Snags, dead and dying trees present a myriad of natural nests and roosts for wild animals. However, as we cut down these snags, we destroy the homes of these animals. Although we cannot mitigate all the consequences brought about by eliminating snags in our environment, we can provide some replacements for a few of those animals, and at the same time gain a way to watch and appreciate wildlife.
Building a box for wildlife simulates these natural homes in which animals can be protected and comfortable, if built and maintained correctly. In the next several pages you will see plans for many different kinds of nest boxes and roosts, as different species require very different specifications for their homes. The following are some general guidelines on woodworking for wildlife. Please read these first in order to make sure the animals using these homes are safe and secure.
Photo by John Wise
Cornell Lab of Ornithology- NestWatch
How to make a safe, successful home for our feathered friends:
For many species of birds, there is a shortage of great places to nest. There may be birds that would love to call your habitat home, but they have a specific nesting requirement which needs to be met. Birdhouses can be placed in backyards, schoolyards, parks, orchards, farms, pastures, cemeteries, woodlots, deserts, cities...you name it. Support more nesting birds, and give a bird a home. Use these resources to become the ultimate nest box landlord; find out what features make a birdhouse ideal, which species you can attract to your area, and how to troubleshoot any problems that arise.
Photo by KAS Member
Oregon State University EXTENSION - Build Nest Boxes for Wild Birds
Nest boxes are a great way to attract wild birds to your yard. They provide birds shelter and a place to raise their young. Some birds that use nest boxes are chickadees, wrens, bluebirds, swallows, wood ducks, and owls.
Photo by Janine Schutt