Nest boxes
Nest-boxes are excellent replacement
for natural cavities in old trees. In young forest and plantations, as
well as in most parks and gardens, there can be plenty of food; very
often there is an absence of nesting places for cavity nesting birds.
More than 40 bird species nest in tree cavities in Serbia,. Some of the
most popular are Blue Tit, Great Tit, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow,
Starling, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker and Tawny Owl. Due
to the reduction of woodland that had been lasting for centuries, these
species are losing their habitat. This is particularly evident in
treeless areas in Vojvodina – “The Cultural deserts”. For the processing
in the wood industry, trees are being cut when their economical value is
the greatest – and that is while they are relatively young. On the other
side, most of the trees develop natural cavities at older age.
Therefore, forest planted for commercial purposes doesn’t provide enough
natural shelters for their inhabitants.
Old tree trunks that have ample of natural cavities are rightfully
called factories of life. They are inhabited by great variety of
species, such as insects, birds, bats, dormice, squirrels, martens and
wild cats, than find in natural cavities shelter, food and place to
bring out their young. All these animals play an important role in the
survival of the forests by maintaining natural balance.
Make a nest-box!
By placing nest-boxes that simulate natural cavities, we can help
cavity-nesting birds. Usually we will choose to build wooden nest-boxes.
Nest-box should satisfy these conditions in order for birds to accept
and nest in them:
- they must have only one entrance hole, which excludes draught
- they must be rainproof
- entrance is not in the direction sunlight or most common winds
- they are placed on safe height, and secured from predators (cats)
- birds have a clear view during flying out and flying in
- they are not treated with toxic colors
The best time for placing up nest-boxes is from October to March.
Therefore, birds have plenty of time to check on all nest-boxes, inspect
them and choose the most suitable ones. Also, during winter months, some
birds will use them as shelters.
Everyone can help birds, weather in the city or in the country. Simplest
way to do it is by making and hanging some of the nest-boxes. We
recommend that you make a nest-box for sparrows. Even though these
lovely birds are common inhabitants of human settlements, their
population is decreasing each year! There are many reasons for that,
starting from the lack of food, nesting places as well as the increasing
pollution.
Nest-boxes can be made out of board, 15-20 mm thick, out of soft wood
(pine, spruce, poplar, willow) according to the scheme on this page. At
the bottom of the nest-box, you should drill 5-6 small holes. After the
house is done, you should paint it with some non-toxic paint for wood
protection. At the end, add some dry grass or pine shavings inside. You
should hang this fully equipped home for birds on 2-4 meters height, on
a tree or on a building. Nest-boxes for sparrows can also be colonized
by other birds or some other animals that can get through the entrance
hole of 32 mm (tits, Robins, Nuthatches, bats). If you have done a good
job, there is a great chance that your work will be rewarded. The prize,
which you will gain, is anything but small – at spring you will be
cheered by joyful song of your new neighbors.
Text: Milan Ružić
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