The brilliant and adorable Jennifer found this little item at Wild Birds Unlimited and put it under the Christmas Tree, and in the holiday spirit (or at least the spirit of sub-20 degree nights) it was quickly installed on the south face of a cherry tree on the property. What is it, you ask? Why, a "Roosting Pocket", woven from grasses and such. The idea is that birds can use it as a warm place to stay out of the wind or rain on a cold winter night. This is not something intended to serve as a nest box later in the year, nor would I expect it to survive more than a couple of seasons. I don't know if it has found a taker yet. One is naturally inclined to expect that the songbirds long ago identified their preferred roosts for this season's worst nights. But it can't hurt to add to their options: there can't be that many good hidey holes in our neighborhood. I'll give the "pocket" a check in a week or so to see if any evidence of use exists.Thursday, January 14, 2010
It's In the Bag, Part Two
The brilliant and adorable Jennifer found this little item at Wild Birds Unlimited and put it under the Christmas Tree, and in the holiday spirit (or at least the spirit of sub-20 degree nights) it was quickly installed on the south face of a cherry tree on the property. What is it, you ask? Why, a "Roosting Pocket", woven from grasses and such. The idea is that birds can use it as a warm place to stay out of the wind or rain on a cold winter night. This is not something intended to serve as a nest box later in the year, nor would I expect it to survive more than a couple of seasons. I don't know if it has found a taker yet. One is naturally inclined to expect that the songbirds long ago identified their preferred roosts for this season's worst nights. But it can't hurt to add to their options: there can't be that many good hidey holes in our neighborhood. I'll give the "pocket" a check in a week or so to see if any evidence of use exists.
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The roosting nests tend to be utilized only during the night. If you find your birds are a little shy of the new space, throw a handful of safflower seed in the roost to encourage birds to investigate and to assure them it’s a nice place to rest awhile and not a trap.
Mine usually last one season. In the spring the birds and squirrels like to shred them and recycle the grass into their new nests.
You have a great blog. I've enjoyed reading your observations.
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