New Home for Migrating Birds
Building a bird nest box is quite a common activity during spring. It seems as if there is never enough nest boxes — there is always room for a new one or a need to exchange an old one. So we decided we will also contribute to the well-being of migrating birds.
Overall nesting box is not a very complex building project, but there are few tricks and tips to keep in mind:
- The diameter of the entrance hole defines what kind of a bird will move in. Too large hole means smaller birds will be in danger of uninvited visitors interrupting their peace. The hole needs to be just as large for the bird to get in, but too small for example for a squirrel.
- It is important for the bottom piece not to cover the walls, but instead be placed between the walls. This helps for any moisture not to get stuck in the base of the nest, but instead find its way out.
- When looking for a place to mount the box make sure it is not exposed to sun during midday sun. Best way to achieve it is to place it so that the entrance is facing morning sun. Of course it should be also high enough from the ground, a few meters is usually enough.
- Sometimes people but a stick under the entrance hole for sitting or landing. This is actually not preferred and should be avoided, it mainly just makes it easier for uninvited guests to enter.
- When mounting and building the nest box you should also keep in mind how you will be cleaning it. Best time for cleaning (and repairing if needed) is during the cold season when the habitants are away enjoying the sun. If not cleaned it will most likely not be used.
The workshop
We were prepared to host the workshop online, if needed and for that all the parts were pre-cut, nails counted and tied into a nice take-away package. Luckily this was not needed and it was amazingly enjoyable to build it all together in front of our studio under the exceptionally warm sun. Everyone got their kit, the only additional tool needed was the hammer. We did spend a little while on figuring out what piece goes to where and tried to assemble them to be sure if it in fact is a nesting box or something else. Everyone was quite hopeful it will be a nesting box.
And then we started using the hammers as they were intended. This seemed to be quite clear, only help needed was to hold the pieces together initially.
Most of the confusion arose with the leftover nails and string, initially kids thought these are spare ones. However, everything has it’s use and these were actually meant for mounting the box on the tree.
When asked most of the participants had not yet figured out which tree will have the box. A few said it will be in their country-side home or in their yard. We do hope all of them find a place as only then will it be useful for hatching.
If you want to build a similar box, please reach out or come visit us at Vivistop or try to make one at home. Just make sure you also mount it in your own yard or out in the nearby forest.
Workshop: Timo Varblas, Heikko Ellermaa
Text: Heikko Ellermaa
