Bird, Bat and Anything Nest Box Challenge.

[Adam W.]

I saw this and thought it might make a nice idea for a group effort to make a swift box each out of scraps (I'm sure we all have some scraps lying around ) and install it for the summer....Who will join me ?

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/jan/20/the-man-who-built-homes-for-60000-swifts-aoe
Here's some plans....

https://www.bristolswifts.co.uk/swift-nest-box-design/
Loads more on the web.

By popular demand, it's open to all bird, bat and anything nest boxes to see what we can tempt into our gardens this summer.

 

[paulrbarnard]

Is there a prize for the fastest?

 

[Adam W.]

Only fleeting internet glory if you tempt a swift or two.

 

[Jamesc]

How about opening it up to all bird boxes. A quick google suggests that we would struggle to find a suitable location on our house for a Swift Box.

 

[Adam W.]

How about opening it up to all bird boxes. A quick google suggests that we would struggle to find a suitable location on our house for a Swift Box.

@Jamesc Your wish is my command.......

I'm going for swifts and spotted flycatchers.

 

[Jamesc]

OK Challenge accepted. Lets see what I have in the workshop this weekend

 

[Inspector]

We leave about 4 of our 9 acres un-mowed. The Meadowlarks nest in the tall dead grass. So by doing nothing I'm already ahead of you guys.

Pete

 

[clogs]

been there a while......we put up boxes for blue **** but they wern't interested.....
now it took a year but the house sparrows love em.....
norm get 2 broods a year.....
Please also include BAT boxes to ur build list......have my offcuts ready to go for our's....

 

[Adam W.]

been there a while......we put up boxes for blue **** but they wern't interested.....
now it took a year but the house sparrows love em.....
norm get 2 broods a year.....
Please also include BAT boxes to ur build list......have my offcuts ready to go for our's....

Done.

I'm looking forward to your bat box build.

 

[mikej460]

You will probably find birds don't use new nest boxes in the first year, I think they prefer them after they've mellowed a bit. I have always wanted to build an owl box to install in one of our ash trees so I'll look into that.

 

[NickM]

This isn't a new box but is one I lashed together about 18 years ago I guess. This was the visitor a couple of days ago.

 

[TomB]

I built a shed for my dear old Ma last winter and incorporated a nest box inside it with an entrance hole under the eaves. I made the hole really small to encourage blue **** and they were straight into it in the spring. I don’t think there’s much in the way of suitable nest sites where she lives though.

 

[MichaelChou]

This isn't a new box but is one I lashed together about 18 years ago I guess. This was the visitor a couple of days ago.
View attachment 127485

A Pug Chicken if I’m not mistaken.

 

[baldkev]

I made a matching bird box to go with my bat boxes ( i started a bat conservation thing last year )
Being solid lumps of wood, better thermal insulation and of course closer to a natural setting...

I need to do some more, these were prototypes
Batroost.co.uk

 

[doctor Bob]

I have barn owls that swoop the river (river Ash, more like a big stream) at the front of my house, so I shall be going owl box on a mature willow, if I can find the time.

 

[tonywatkins]

I built a shed for my dear old Ma last winter and incorporated a nest box inside it with an entrance hole under the eaves. I made the hole really small to encourage blue **** and they were straight into it in the spring. I don’t think there’s much in the way of suitable nest sites where she lives though.

That's a really good idea to incorporate it into the shed. I'll remember that for when I build a new bike shed, hopefully later this year (I might need wood prices to come down again first though!).

 

[Doug B]

Im ahead of the game, made this a few months back from oddments of wood, lead & slate for a lady I do work for.

 

[recipio]

Blue **** are the most likely to use a box but don't put a landing peg on the outside - it just makes it easier for predation. Orientation to the sun is important but don't ask me which direction - anyone know ?

 

[accipiter]

Blue **** are the most likely to use a box but don't put a landing peg on the outside - it just makes it easier for predation. Orientation to the sun is important but don't ask me which direction - anyone know ?

Did a quick Google and this was one of the links that came up with lots of information and guidance:
https://www.lovethegarden.com/uk-en/article/where-position-bird-nest-boxes
This bit taken from the link:
"Direction of nest box
The recommended direction to face a nest box is between north and east, as this will provide natural protection from direct sunlight, wind and rain, creating a more suitable and safe environment for growing birds. The box can also be tilted marginally forward to allow any rain to run clear of the entrance."

 

[baldkev]

but don't put a landing peg on the outside - it just makes it easier for predation.

Ahh.... good point