How to attract birds to your birdhouse
Choose the Right Location
The first step in attracting birds to your birdhouse is choosing the right location. Birds prefer a location that is protected from wind and rain and has plenty of food and water sources nearby. Look for a spot that is sheltered from strong winds and has plenty of natural cover, such as trees and bushes.
Use the Right Size Birdhouse
Different species of birds prefer different size birdhouses. For example, bluebirds and wrens prefer smaller houses, while purple martins and swallows prefer larger ones. Before purchasing a birdhouse, research the type of bird you would like to attract and choose a house that is the appropriate size for that species.
Provide Adequate Ventilation
Birds need fresh air inside their birdhouses, so it’s important to provide adequate ventilation. Make sure the birdhouse has small holes near the roof for air circulation, and that the entrance hole is not too small, which can trap hot air inside.
Keep the House Clean
Birds are very picky about the cleanliness of their homes, so make sure to keep the birdhouse clean and free of any debris. Regularly remove old nests and any other materials that may have accumulated inside the house.
Provide Water
Birds need access to water, especially during hot weather or in dry climates. Consider adding a bird bath or other water source near your birdhouse to make it more attractive to birds.
Place the House at the Right Height
The height of your birdhouse is important, as it will affect how easily birds can access it and how safe they feel inside. For example, bluebirds prefer birdhouses that are 4-6 feet off the ground, while wrens and chickadees prefer birdhouses that are mounted on poles or trees.
Place the House in the Right Direction
The direction of your birdhouse can also play a role in attracting birds. Birdhouses that face east or southeast receive the most sunlight in the morning and are often preferred by birds.
Keep Cats Away
Cats can be a major threat to birds and their nests, so it’s important to keep them away from your birdhouse. Consider installing a protective barrier around the birdhouse or placing it on a tall pole that is out of reach of cats.
Make the entrance attractive
The entrance of the birdhouse is an important feature that can attract birds to your birdhouse. To make the entrance attractive, consider adding a small roof or porch over the entrance, or adding a decorative perch nearby. This will not only make the entrance more inviting, but it will also give birds a place to rest and survey their surroundings.
Offer food and water
In addition to providing a comfortable home, birds also need food and water to survive. To attract birds to your birdhouse, consider offering food and water nearby. Some good options include bird feeders, bird baths, and bird tables. These can be placed close to the birdhouse, but not too close, as this may discourage birds from using the birdhouse.
Use bird-friendly plants
Planting bird-friendly plants in your yard can not only enhance the beauty of your landscape, but it can also attract birds to your birdhouse. Some great bird-friendly plants include native wildflowers, shrubs, and trees that provide food, shelter, and nesting sites for birds. Consider planting a variety of plants that bloom at different times of the year to provide a continuous source of food and shelter for birds.
Provide privacy
Birds prefer to nest in locations that are protected from predators and other potential threats, so it's important to provide privacy for the birdhouse. Consider planting trees or shrubs around the birdhouse to create a natural barrier that will protect the birds from view and provide a sense of security.
Be Patient
Attracting birds to your birdhouse can take time, so be patient and persistent. Offer food and water, keep the house clean, and be observant. Eventually, you will see birds visiting your birdhouse, and with time, they may even decide to make it their home.
Summary
By following these tips, you can create a bird-friendly environment that will attract birds to your birdhouse and provide you with hours of entertainment and enjoyment. Whether you are a seasoned birdwatcher or just starting out, attracting birds to your birdhouse is a fun and rewarding experience that will bring joy to your backyard and garden.