Nesting Plans…

Nest Photograph ⓒ  Tim Geiss at Poltergeiss

Chirping, cawing, calling and singing; suddenly, the forest has come alive with the sound of migratory birds. Soon, it will be nesting time and you know what they say: the early bird catches the best real estate. OK, so maybe that’s not quite what they say, but Cornell Lab of Ornithology does advise backyard birders to begin placing their nest boxes in February (warmer climates) and March (cold climates like mine). So, I like to get my rental units ready early, to attract as many spring and summer tenants as possible. Birds provide beauty and entertainment in my garden —to be sure— but my feathered friends also play a key role in natural insect control. I prefer to take advantage of this free service that nature provides for us, rather than use potentially hazardous, unnatural and expensive substances to control insect pests in my garden.

Finding the right house for both bird and landscape is important. I’ve found some really pretty, functional options amongst the ever-changing selection available at Terrain online (image courtesy Terrain).

When it comes to nesting boxes and bird houses, all species have different preferences and requirements. Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a great source of information, and you can find tips on what kind of bird house you will need and how to place it to attract a specific species (like say, a bluebird) by visiting this page on their site, linked here. Online retailers like Duncraft provide excellent pre-made birdhouses and kits for backyard bird enthusiasts, and I recently found some very stylish avian homes at Terrain, pictured below. So get out your feather duster and your screw gun, it’s time to ready the real estate!

Terrain’s Weathered Birdbarn $28.95

Nest in Hemlock Boughs. Photograph â“’ Michaela at The Gardener’s Eden

Terrain’s Thatched Roof Nest House $24.00

Tufted Titmouse  ⓒ  Tim Geiss at Poltergeiss

Learning to identify and protect backyard birds helps kids develop a respect and greater understanding of the natural world and balance of our shared ecosystem. Read more about the Tufted Titmouse and listen to its echoing and distinctive voice here at Cornell Lab of Ornithology. And please share the link with a child you know.

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Thank you to Tim Geiss for his beautiful bird and nest photos.

Birdhouse photos are courtesy Terrain.

Article and photo as noted are copyright Michaela at The Gardener’s Eden, all rights reserved. All content on this site, (with noted exceptions), is the property of The Gardener’s Eden and may not be used, reproduced or reposted elsewhere without written consent.

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4 Replies to “Nesting Plans…”

  1. jacqui rogers

    Thanks for making this link for children available, my grand kids love watching the birds at the feeders & I have a very wide painting (4ft) of all the diff birds for them to identify but it does’n’t have the names so this link really helps get them involved & learn how to care for our two legged friends.

  2. Michaela

    @ Jacqui, You are so very welcome! I am so happy to hear that you will be sharing the link with children. I love Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and use the site all the time for a wide variety of reasons. I think it’s a great thing you are doing for your grand kids, for the birds, and for the future! xo M

  3. Deb Weyrich-Cody

    Hi Michaela, Spring has definitely sprung… heard my first Red Wing Blackbird of the year this morning! When did you hear your first this year?

    Hope you’re having a wonderfully green St Patrick’s Day! xo D.

  4. Michaela

    Hi Deb, Yes, the spring feels nearer today. Outside a robin is singing in the trees and I watched a flock of Canadian geese cross the valley while sipping my morning coffee. No redwing blackbirds up at my altitude yet, but I have seen them along the river down in the valley. And last night, the maple buds stood out clearly in silhouette; swaying against the bright Sap Moon. We’re almost there!
    xo M

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