We’re passionate about birds and nature. That’s why we opened a Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop in our community.
4251 Tilghman Street
Allentown, PA 18104
Phone: (610) 366-1725
Fax: (610) 351-9169
Email: Send Message
Store Hours:
Mon - Fri: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
Sat: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sun: Closed
When you place a nesting box in your backyard, you're inviting birds to raise their families in front of yours. You'll see birds courting mates, building nests, laying eggs, and feeding their young. And when it's time for the fledglings to leave the nest, they'll likely learn to feed at your feeders and bathe at your birdbaths!
Birds build open-cup shaped nests in trees or on the ground, or they nest in natural cavities (or holes) in trees. The birds that choose natural cavities are called cavity-nesting birds. These are the birds that will readily use a nest box (specifically designed for specific species) include: bluebirds, wrens, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, woodpeckers, Purple Martins, swallows, owls, and Wood Ducks.
The nest box should have the right size hole, and the distance from the entry hole to the floor as well as the inside dimensions must suit the bird you are trying to attract.
The wood should be at least 3/4 of an inch thick to provide good insulation.
The box does not need additional paints or stains, as they can be toxic to birds and too dark of colors can absorb sunlight and make the box too warm, depending on where it is placed.
You should be able to open a panel to monitor nesting activity and clean the box after its use.
The roof should be slanted so water can run off easily, and the box should include ventilationholes to help the interior stay cool.
The inside of the box should have recessed grooves or rough surfaces under the entrance hole to help baby birds climb out. Outside perches are NOT necessary, as these can give predator birds easier access.
Determine the proper heigh to hang our mount your nest box. Many birds prefer their nesting habitat at a certain level, and you will be more likely to attract the species you seek if you place the box at the right height.
Find out where your specific bird likes to nest. Does the bird prefer woodlands or open spaces? Does it like to be near water? Stop in and one of our knowledgeable staff members will help you.
Place your box in your yard before birds start seeking nesting spots in February and March. You can leave the box up all year, but clean it out in the fall so birds can use it as shelter in the winter. Also remember to clean it out by March to entice birds to nest in your house.
Using a predator guard over your nest boxes' hole can help keep critters from disturbing your nesting birds.
If you mount your nest box from a pole, placing a squirrel baffle just below the box will keep squirrels, raccoons, cats, and other animals from climbing the pole.
