Okay, we have looked at feeders and water. What is next to think about as we prepare for winter birdwatching? As strange as it may sound: nest boxes. Night time especially can get rough on very cold, windy winter nights. Nest boxes can serve as places to get out of the wind and can spare birds 10 or 20 effective degrees (F) of relief. This is not really a problem where I live as winters tend to be mild affairs, but we do get the occasional punishing weather pattern where the nighttime low can drop near 0F. And winter winds, sometimes, get nasty. Solution: I keep my nest boxes up all winter and as importantly clean out nests and other debris. More space means more birds can cluster in the box. Less stuff means fewer possible parasites. Even one nest box might make a difference. So think about keeping your buddies warm on a frigid night--they'll appreciate it!
2 comments:
Hi David,
I really enjoy your blog very much.
I'm not sure if you have a problem with house sparrows or not, but in my backyard they are a big nuisance. I came up with a remote controlled house sparrow trap. If you have a minute, please check out my youtube video. I would love your feedback.
Thank you,
Rich
http://www.youtube.com/bluebirdbug
Rich, I just saw the video. This is definitely an interesting and clever invention. I can imagine how exasperating the house sparrows are, but so far I am spared this trouble: have never seen one even in the neighborhood. I am curious what you do with the trapped birds. Relocate? how far away?
Very best, David
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