Most people know that putting out
a nest box will attract nesting birds in summer. But did you know
that small birds often use these same boxes for shelter at night,
particularly in winter? Sometimes more than a dozen birds will
pile into a single box to conserve heat. But nest boxes are far
from ideal for overnight roosting. They are usually too small for
a group. Plus most birds need to perch or cling while roosting,
but nest boxes have no perching surfaces inside. You can help
your backyard birds keep warm overnight with a specially designed
winter roost box. Any backyard favorites that typically nest in
boxes—bluebirds, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches and small
woodpeckers—may seek refuge in it. Roosting boxes differ
from nest boxes in several important ways. A good roost box is
designed to prevent the birds' body heat from escaping, so,
unlike a nest box, it lacks ventilation holes. Also, its entrance
hole is near the bottom of the box so the rising warmth doesn't
escape. Mount your roost box on a metal pole or a wooden post,
and attach a metal baffle below the box to keep predators out.
Place the box in a sheltered spot, out of prevailing winds.
South-facing boxes receive the most warmth from the winter sun. |
|
|
