Our Bird Home

In previous weeks, we’ve discussed the benefits of offering birds a variety of food. We’ve also talked about how different foods appeal to different species of birds. Now it’s time to focus on an underrated part of the feeding process: the placement of the feeder. It’s obviously in your best interest to keep the feeder positioned away from overhanging branches; squirrels are only too eager to steal all the seeds they can stuff in their cheeks.

Beyond that, you can make life more convenient for your neighborhood birds by placing the feeders within close proximity of their other daily needs. Just like people, birds appreciate the virtues of a short commute. They don’t want to fly out of their way to get from wood bird feeders to a birdhouse, and the same is true of a birdbath. Why not put all three of these essentials together in the yard to create a thrumming hub of bird activity?

So, you’ve decided to offer a warm, cozy shelter for your feathered friends this winter. Before choosing a birdhouse and hanging it up in your yard, you should take a moment to think like a bird. Well, maybe not literally, but at least consider what attributes of a home the birds will truly appreciate. Generally speaking, birds are interested in comfort, safety and an entrance hole that’s neither too large nor too small.

Wooden decorative bird houses appeal to birds as well as the people who love to watch them. As far as comfort goes, you’ll want to select a house whose walls are nearly an inch thick – this promotes good insulation for the winter months. The house should be secured well off the ground to ensure that predators won’t have easy pickings when the birds leave home.