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Whimsical Birdhouses Are Totally Functional
As spring approaches, nesting season begins for many wild birds. The task of finding suitable nest boxes is difficult, as birds far outnumber available birdhouses. Adding attractive, whimsical birdhouses to your yard helps wild birds to thrive in many ways, plus adds life to, and brightens up your environment. Protection from the elements and from predators are two other reasons birds seek bird houses as shelter, they’re not only for nesting purposes.
Today, there are a myriad of fun, and unique birdhouses that will create a touch of whimsy in your yard. Classic architectural styles create a nice statement too. Materials like stained glass and copper, weather proof stoneware, ceramics and wood are available. The choices are endless, with functional art for your yard the birds will truly appreciate. Please help house the birds!
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Attract Nesting Birds to Your Yard
Cottage BirdHouse Most North American birds nest in cavities, and although some, like woodpeckers can chisel their own holes in trees with their sharp beaks, others must find suitable holes for nesting. Unfortunately, nest cavities can be very scarce for many wild birds.
One way to solve this shortage is to provide artificial cavities also known as nest boxes or birdhouses. More than 50 species of birds use nest boxes. Some of the most common are: bluebirds, kestrels, owls, titmice, nuthatches, wrens, chickadees, tree swallows and woodpeckers. Nest boxes have been proven to help boost the declining populations of both bluebirds and wood ducks.
A bird house in your yard will provide a valuable home for birds and a most enjoyable bird watching experience for you.
The table below illustrates nesting habits of some backyard birds.
Nesting Habits Information -
Lucky Bluebirds in the Yard
Because of their sweet disposition, lovely song, and beautiful blue coloring, bluebirds have been a long time favorite of many backyard birders. Bluebird houses greatly help the species to thrive, as they provide not only a place to nest and raise babies, but shelter to roost on cold winter nights.
With a severe decline in population in the early 70’s , a massive effort was launched to save these birds by pacing nest boxes along bluebird trails. Due to insecticides, destruction of habitat, and competition for nest boxes from other birds, the bluebird population was almost extinct. Thanks to these efforts and education from the bluebird societies, the population has seen a great come back.
Bluebird houses appropriate with predator guards, and constructed to be competitor-proof are widely available today. Look for one that is NABS (North American Bluebird Society) Approved.
The long time symbol for love and happiness…bluebirds are a sure pleasure to have in your yard!
Eastern Bluebird 
Western Bluebird 
Mountain Bluebird
Birding Tips, Information & News
