Nest Box

Nest Box can be one of the tools to attract birds of your area. Birds look for certain conditions such as security, food and a nice place to perch etc before nesting. If these conditions are met we see birds around with their nesting activities. Birds like house sparrow and common mynah are easily attracted to nest boxes. Other birds such as red vented bulbul and laughing dove can also occupy the nest box but require a different place and a change in design of nest box.

Nest box can be as simple as a box of cardboard with a hole in front and open from top to rather professional like designed by a carpenter. Earthern pots with small holes can also be used for this purpose. But all efforts should be made that bird occupying the nest should not get harmed by the design. Box should be comfortable enough to carry birds, nest and the nestlings. Also nest box should be placed in a secure place out of the reach of pets and should be some what hidden.

Points to Remember Entrance hole - 1½-inch across. The door hinges outward. The floor should have places for water to drain out. The nest should have ventilation. Between the back and the roof, a space of about ¼-inch width should be left. Mount nest boxes 4 to 6 feet above the ground on a metal or wooden post. Place box in an open grassy area with widely scattered trees and shrubs

Requirements for creating the Nest Box

• a board 6 inches wide and 5 feet long
• saw
• ruler and/or yardstick
• pencil
• hammer & nails
• drill with an adapter to saw the circular 1½-inch-wide entrance hole

 

[With inputs from Birds Beyond Watching, University Press - Abdul Jamil Urfi and various web-sites]

:: Parag Bakshi info@bhopalbirds.com ::