Avoiding direct sunlight and wind - we want to welcome birds into our gardens and into nest boxes, so avoiding direct sunlight and wind will make the nest box more comfortable for birds and their chicks.
Keep clear of feeders - try to position your nest box away from feeders where potential predators, such as squirrels or cats may visit for food. This will help keep the birds safe.
Multiple nest boxes - there’s no right or wrong answer about the number of nest boxes you should have in your garden. By having more than one nest box, you have more chance of attracting different species who can nest comfortably each in a nest box.
Height - when fitting your nest box, ensure it’s high enough so birds cannot be disturbed by family pets or people, especially during breeding season. If you’re looking to attract sparrows, starlings or tits, fixing your next box 2 - 4 metres up a wall or tree would be ideal.
Protect trees - Fortunately, trees are durable plants, Hammering a nail into a tree does create a wound, but if the tree is healthy, no serious harm will be done. Stainless steel or galvanized nails or screws that won't rust are the safest for trees. Never wrap the trunk in wire or rope because this can kill the tree.
Good advice thanks!
How on Earth can you avoid cats?
Very clear and useful advice on nest boxes and where to site them for the best results.
Which direction should the bird box face
Should I line the bird box with anything?
I have a wooden nest box was going to place it amongst my honey suckle tree. Is this a good place
Have many bird boxes unfortunately we haven’t been successful yet but have many birds feeding in garden
I have a few nest boxes in my garden,only to be surprised that a pair of tints have chosen to nest in my actual bird feeder,of the other nest boxes i wondered why they chose that to nest.