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Bird Feeders
and Nesting Boxes
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Hang a
seed feeder or two up from a tree or
washing line, and ensure that it is kept well stocked. Sparrows
and bluetits
will soon learn of its existence, and pigeons may feed below from the
dropped
seed. A bird table may also attract bigger birds, such as blackbirds,
and you
may find squirrels feeding there. It is unwise to feed small
birds
on the ground because of the risk from predatory cats. The more varied
the
food, the more species it will satisfy. Wildlife needs fresh
water - to
drink and to bathe in, so make sure there is a regular supply in your
garden. |
Making
a bird box
You will need:-
1 x plank of wood 145cm. x 15cm. x 2cm.
Woodscrews
Small hook (to fasten the roof)
15cm. hinge or strip of thick rubber to fix the roof.
Mark the plank according to the
diagram:-
Assemble the parts according to
the diagram:-
In the front piece you can either drill a hole about 2.5cm. diameter
and about 5cm. from the top - for bluetits - or you can cut away the
top half of the front, about 10cm. dowm - to make an open-fronted box
for blackbirds.
Locating
the Birdbox
| The box does
not have to be located in a tree -
any high place is suitable. It wants to be at least ten feet
off the
ground, with the front facing away from the prevailing winds. Do
not be
disappointed if birds don't take up residence immediately. It
often takes
three or four years for them to be confident enough to rear their
family in
your box. Be patient - they will come if your garden is wildlife
friendly enough. |
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Habitat
creation
There are a variety of other ways to make your garden more
attractive to nature. Building a pond
and planting native trees,
wildflowers or foodplants are effective ways of creating habitat.
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