Bird Houses

Craftsman Bird Houses!

Birdhouse Learning 101

Bird houses should be installed by late summer or early fall. The earlier the house goes up, the more time birds have to locate their new home prior to breeding season. If possible, birdhouses should be left up year round for use as roosting sites or as winter shelter for migratory birds, however, they can be taken down, cleaned, and put back up after nesting season is over.

Location, Location, Location!

Choosing the location to place your birdhouse is just as important as selecting the house itself. Start by getting to know the types of birds in your area to ensure you are providing them the best opportunity to thrive! Some species of birds prefer partially shaded areas, while others are drawn toward wide-open grassy fields. Although the surroundings may vary from bird to bird, one thing remains the same - bird's need to feel safe, so their house should be installed in a way that is difficult for predators to access. If at all possible, install your bird house on a stand alone pole instead of on a tree where it could be more easily reached by other wildlife.

Bird House Ideas and Tips
Purple Martin Bird House
Purple Martin House

House Placement For Bluebirds, Purple Martins and Bats

Bluebird Houses - Bluebirds can tolerate shade, but prefer open areas and are most happy when their houses are placed along fencerows. Install bluebird houses at least 4-6 feet off the ground in a moderately open area with a few bushes and shrubs interspersed throughout.

Purple Martin Houses - Purple Martins like to nest in colonies but prefer to keep humans and other structures at a safe distance, so the more open the area the better. Purple martin houses are best placed in a centrally located area of the yard that is at least 40 feet away from human habitats and trees. Housing can face any direction. However, once you have decided on an orientation, it is important that the house remain secure and the direction it is facing does not change. If the house shifts on its pole, Purple Martins may become disoriented, causing them to abandon their nests.

Bat Houses - Believe it or not, bats are an incredibly beneficial addition to your yard. Bats are the single most effective natural source of mosquito and insect control and have the ability to eat their body weight in bugs during one evening alone! Bat houses should be placed high on buildings or posts, typically 15-18 feet above ground. Placing a bat house next to vents on the outside of a home with an attic will deter the creatures from inhabiting homes. In many cases this is also a safe way to move bats that are already nesting in homes.

Popularity of Bird House Culture

Bird houses breathe new life into gardens and outdoor living spaces and offer us an opportunity to connect with nature on an intimate level.The addition of a birdhouse in your yard is also a wonderful way to help the environment. Rapid urbanization leads to limited resources for our flying friends. When we invite birds into our own backyards and gardens we are offering them a sanctuary and helping to keep their species alive. Entertainment for us and a safe place for them? We can't think of a better reason to add a birdhouse (or two) to your home!

Bird House Sitting On an Arbor
Bird House Buying Tips

Tips For Buying Birdhouses

The two biggest factors in buying birdhouses are personal preference and functionality. Choose a bird house design that complements your outdoor space and matches your personal taste. After all, you'll likely be enjoying it as a fixture in your garden for many years! It is also important to make sure that the birdhouse you select will function at an optimal level for the birds in your area. To make installation easier, check that you have all the necessary birdhouse accessories, such as posts and proper hardware. Last, but not least, if you find birdhouses for sale, consider hidden shipping costs. At Yard Envy, all bird houses ship free!