I posted earlier that I had a robin nesting in my peg bag on the line. I've seen a robin flying in and I think just one baby, I put mealworms out throughout the day, robin would sit waiting for them in the morning. Today I've noticed no robin so I had a sneaky look, there is a nest & 3 eggs. im presuming these haven't hatched, has anyone else had this happen? I wonder if it's ok to remove peg bag now (need to hang washing out!!)
One of the tit boxes that has been used in my garden is facing north, the other is facing east. South facing boxes can overheat if they are in the sun all day. Drill some small holes in the base to help with ventilation and to let deal with any water ingress.
I have fitted sparrow terrace nest boxes to the side of m house which are facing west, but are in shade from the house next door. That are new and haven't been used yet as far as I know.
I only have one nest box currently and don't think it is occupied. There are pied wagtails nesting in the ivy on the front of the house, very busy, up and down all day. A wren built a nest in the ivy on the side of the garage. I don't think it is in use, as I know they build multiple ones, but whenever I am outside there is a wren chittering nearby or giving me a sudden blast of song, so they must be near, just don't know where. The swallows are nesting in the garage again, as they have done for several years since I accidentally left the door open. Now I leave it open just for the swallows. (Said garage has never seen a car, is used to store animal feed). Don't feel so bad now about the new nest boxes that didn't get put up in time!
Does anyone else remember a children's book (probably of the 50s) about a pair of robins who nested in a kettle wedged in a hedgerow?
The kettle was on its side with the spout pointing downwards (for drainage). I've always wanted to put an old kettle in a hedge to see if any robins like it
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
We must have the delux version nesting boxes here in West Cornwall, American redwood built, insulated lead roof!,I could move in there myself!...And yes, they are being used as I speak!!.
//We put a bird box up in September time last year (just after we moved in) nothing is using it this year, so fingers crossed for next year! Did you put anything into your bird boxes to help make a nest or do the birds take it all in themselves?//
Emma, the box is unfortunately within reach of cats (along the fence top or from the shed roof). That may be what is putting the birds off. Not to say the birds won't nest there, but it may be better sited a little higher / away from features cats can climb.
"What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour".
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I posted earlier that I had a robin nesting in my peg bag on the line. I've seen a robin flying in and I think just one baby, I put mealworms out throughout the day, robin would sit waiting for them in the morning. Today I've noticed no robin so I had a sneaky look, there is a nest & 3 eggs. im presuming these haven't hatched, has anyone else had this happen? I wonder if it's ok to remove peg bag now (need to hang washing out!!)
One of the tit boxes that has been used in my garden is facing north, the other is facing east. South facing boxes can overheat if they are in the sun all day. Drill some small holes in the base to help with ventilation and to let deal with any water ingress.
I have fitted sparrow terrace nest boxes to the side of m house which are facing west, but are in shade from the house next door. That are new and haven't been used yet as far as I know.
I only have one nest box currently and don't think it is occupied. There are pied wagtails nesting in the ivy on the front of the house, very busy, up and down all day. A wren built a nest in the ivy on the side of the garage. I don't think it is in use, as I know they build multiple ones, but whenever I am outside there is a wren chittering nearby or giving me a sudden blast of song, so they must be near, just don't know where. The swallows are nesting in the garage again, as they have done for several years since I accidentally left the door open. Now I leave it open just for the swallows. (Said garage has never seen a car, is used to store animal feed). Don't feel so bad now about the new nest boxes that didn't get put up in time!
This may be of some help http://www.rspb.org.uk/makeahomeforwildlife/advice/helpingbirds/nestboxes/smallbirds/siting.aspx
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I just randomly came across this -
Genius idea!
Does anyone else remember a children's book (probably of the 50s) about a pair of robins who nested in a kettle wedged in a hedgerow?
The kettle was on its side with the spout pointing downwards (for drainage). I've always wanted to put an old kettle in a hedge to see if any robins like it
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
The best time of day to install a kettle nest box is at tea time.
Won't the kettle be a bit warm then?
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
We must have the delux version nesting boxes here in West Cornwall, American redwood built, insulated lead roof!,I could move in there myself!.
..And yes, they are being used as I speak!!.
//We put a bird box up in September time last year (just after we moved in) nothing is using it this year, so fingers crossed for next year! Did you put anything into your bird boxes to help make a nest or do the birds take it all in themselves?//
Emma, the box is unfortunately within reach of cats (along the fence top or from the shed roof). That may be what is putting the birds off. Not to say the birds won't nest there, but it may be better sited a little higher / away from features cats can climb.