Nest box siting

[Dave and Verity]

Half term next week and several jobs to do, one is putting up around 30 assorted nest boxes and bat boxes.

Have had a google search, but nothing specific comes up regarding best direction for siting boxes. We have a couple of barn owl boxes which will be sited at the extreme ends of the woods facing outwards. We also have kestrel, woodpecker, robin, nuthatch/treecreeper, small owl and bat.

Dave

[Wendelspanswick]

I do know that Tawny Owls rear their young very early in the season so I would have thought that sunshine would be low on the list of priorities but shelter from the prevailing wind direction would be important.
We had a talk recently by Chris Sperring of the Hawk and Owl Trust, who have a community Barn owl conservation project, which was interesting and informative, with Chris being an excellent orator.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrSYn8aJlws
He stressed the importance of long grass in field margins so owls have a source of prey.
I do remember being surprised at how low the height recommended for a Tawny owl nest box was, being just 8-10 ft off the ground.
It might be worth giving them a ring as I imagine they will be able to give you good advice on your project. http://hawkandowl.org/

[Dave and Verity]

Thanks for that, I've been in touch and some good common sense advice.

Dave

[Dexter's Shed]

remember wrens and robins tend to nest low to the ground, so a few hidden in bushes or Ivy at around 2'-3'foot
have you thought about a camera nest box?
great to watch the rearing of some chicks, we picked ours up for around £35 but they could be home made cheaper by just using a webcam, as this takes it's power from the laptop, rather than as cctv that needs a power source

http://youtu.be/iniUllPjTc4

I did look into making my own, again good old imports from hong kong and you can get 10 webcams at around £5 each, so added to either ready made or home made boxes, the leads simply left dangling down side of the trunk, you could do a weekly inspection/walk around, plugging into each box at bottom of tree, no disturbance to the birds, and build up a log of videos on different species of birds

[smojo]

Half term next week and several jobs to do, one is putting up around 30 assorted nest boxes and bat boxes.

Have had a google search, but nothing specific comes up regarding best direction for siting boxes. We have a couple of barn owl boxes which will be sited at the extreme ends of the woods facing outwards. We also have kestrel, woodpecker, robin, nuthatch/treecreeper, small owl and bat.

Dave

I think for small birds like tits etc you face them northerly to avoid overheating from sun. What did you make your boxes from by the way. I'm wanting to make some more and used up all my scrap wood and wondering about a cheap alternative. I know you can make them from logs by cleaving them and taking the centre piece out but at present haven't got any suitable ones. Needs to be quick, cheap and easy.

[Dave and Verity]

I have to confess I didn't make them, currently two businesses to run, two teenagers and a dog leave little time. I will be semi retiring in the next 15 months so, will get to do more myself.

There is a charity local to us who employ disabled people to make them, they have done an absolutely cracking job of them. Will take some pics when they are up.

http://streetforge.org/web/

Dave

[SimonFisher]

Not the cheapest outlay, but I can recommend Schwegler Woodcrete boxes such as these: -

http://www.haiths.com/schwegler-32mm-woodcrete-nest-box/

Advantages include being squirrel and woodpecker proof, having insulative properties to stay cool or warm as is needed, easy to clean out, and last many seasons.

We've had them up in our woods for a few years now and get full occupancy every season.

[boxerman]

Her's a pait that wouldn't cost much..... Photo borrowed from Cotswold Outdoor..

[smojo]

The woodcrete boxes look great but out of my price range as I want several. Liking the boot boxes. How about this one too. You've given me an idea now. See what everyday objects I can utilise to make some. It doesn't matter if they don't last for many years, it'll be fun pitting my brains. I love recycling or upcycling stuff to something else useful.

http://www.britishbirdfood.co.uk/upload ... 236_00.jpg

[Dave and Verity]

"remember wrens and robins tend to nest low to the ground, so a few hidden in bushes or Ivy at around 2'-3'foot"

Walking the dog this morning, noticed a wren's nest at exactly this height that has been revealed due to hedge cutting / leaves shedding. Never noticed it before, even though I've walked past it hundreds of times.

Dave