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. |
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| Small Winter Bird House $31.95 | | | Large Winter Bird House $45.95 | ||
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| Horizontal Winter Bird House $42.95 | |||||
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