Bird Nest Box Placement Guide
1. Blue Tit / Coal Tit
Hole Type & Size: Small round hole, 25 mm
Recommended Height: 2 to 4 meters high
Ideal Direction: Facing North or East
2. Great Tit / House Sparrow
Hole Type & Size: Larger round hole, 32 mm
Recommended Height: 2 to 4 meters high
Ideal Direction: Facing North or East
3. Robin / Wren
Hole Type & Size: Open-fronted or Shallow-recessed box
Recommended Height: 1 to 2 meters high (lower)
Ideal Direction: Hidden in dense cover, facing North or East
4. Starling
Hole Type & Size: Large round hole, 45 mm
Recommended Height: 3 to 5 meters high (under eaves)
Ideal Direction: Facing North or East
Important Placement Rules for ALL Boxes
The placement of the box is often more crucial than the box itself. Follow these universal rules for the best chance of success:
1. Direction and Weather Protection
Direction: The box entrance should ideally face North or East. This avoids strong direct sunlight (especially the hot afternoon sun from the West) and the prevailing, rain-bearing winds which typically come from the Southwest in the UK.
Tilt: Angle the box slightly forward so any heavy rain will hit the roof and run off, rather than dripping into the entrance hole.
Shelter: Position the box away from areas exposed to high winds and driving rain.
2. Height and Predator Avoidance
Height: Place the box 2 to 4 meters (6 to 13 feet) off the ground for hole-nesting birds (Tits, Sparrows). Open-fronted boxes for Robins and Wrens should be lower (around 1 to 2 meters) but well-hidden.
Clear Flight Path: Ensure the birds have a clear, easy flight path to and from the entrance hole. Avoid dense branches directly blocking the way.
Predators: Place the box away from places where predators (like cats or squirrels) can easily jump or climb. Avoid putting the box near a fence post or a thick branch that could serve as a vantage point for them.
3. General Tips
Proximity: Do not put different boxes of the same type (e.g., two Blue Tit boxes) too close together (keep them about 10 meters apart) to avoid territorial disputes. Sparrows, however, are an exception and often prefer terrace-style boxes or boxes close to one another.
Feeders: Do not hang the nest box near a bird feeder or bird table. The constant activity of feeding birds can disturb a nesting pair.
Maintenance: Ensure the box can be easily accessed for annual cleaning after the nesting season (typically in late autumn, from October to January).
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