Willow Log Basket

Funtional Birdhouses

Birdhouses are not only a beautiful addition to your garden, but are also necessity for the safety of your feathered friends. Birds not using birdhouses for nesting will often build in openings or knots in decaying trees or rocky crevices. These places don’t offer much in the way of protection for the birds and often they become prey for raccoons or opossum.

Unfortunately, some birdhouses lack features needed to make them functional for your feathered friends. Birds can be very picky when it comes to choosing where to build their nests. The entry hole has to be the right size for the bird to fit through. Inside needs to have ample space for building and proper air circulation to keep them cool on hot summer days. Birdhouses don’t have to be fancy, in fact birds prefer houses that are simply made. Plain wood with a light coat of weatherproof stain or latex paint will do just fine.

Other important features need to be considered when choosing a birdhouse. For example, it is best to buy one that opens up for easy cleaning. Birds like a clean house to start their nests each spring. Additionally, some type of extension in front of the entry hole will offer protection from intruders. Some larger male birds are notorious for bothering the smaller females and will attack them while nesting and eat the little ones. A perch is also important for sitting on while feeding the youngsters.

Height above the ground also needs to be considered. Different birds require and prefer to be higher up than others. It is best to determine what type of bird you are attracting and consult a bird guide book for the best height of your birdhouse before installation. Always hang them high enough to prevent predators from jumping onto them from below. Sometimes no matter what you do, birds will still fall prey to an over head flying hawk, but you can definitely minimize the threat of ground predators.

Birdhouses come in all sizes and shapes. Birdhouses can be multi-tiered, mansion style (great for the purple martins), wall or post-mounted. Some are made using gourds, hollowed out from a log, or even woven from willow tree branches and made into a basket. These styles bring birds to your backyard haven and preserve nature! Whichever unique birdhouse theme or style you choose, remember all creatures in nature need some place to call home! Choose from a great selection of birdhouses at www.mygardenornaments.com

About the Author

Hello, my name is Sandy. As a 61 year old grandmother of 5, I enjoy nothing more than spending a beautiful day with my family outdoors! My husband and I have recently purchased an 1800’s log home nestled on 20 acres of Civil War battlefield. It is here that I was inspired to pass along my years of knowledge and skill in the area of garden ornamentation.  My passion for gardening has developed over decades and I am excited to now share this craft with others! Please visit http://mygardenornaments.com to learn more about garden ornamentation!

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