Urban Nestboxes
Do you know the cavity-nesting birds in our area? It is more than just the woodpeckers! Some birds adopt an existing hole to be their nest instead of excavating their own. This makes them a secondary cavity-nester.
The ones you’re most likely to find in your yard are:
- Ash-throated Flycatcher
- Brown-crested Flycatcher
- Lucy’s Warbler
- Bewick’s Wren
- American Kestrel
- Western Screech-Owl
These birds, like many others, are suffering from habitat loss. The lack of mature trees means fewer nesting cavities for them to use for breeding. You can help!
Adopt or construct a nest box specific to the bird you want to help!
Click here for plans and instructions for creating your own nest box.
Click here for our Nature Shops information where you can buy your new nest box.
A few tips:
Make sure to place your new boxes by February so they get noticed by the early spring arrivals.
Refer to the species-specific placement instructions to know exactly where to place your nest box. Each bird species will have variations in surrounding habitat preference, height off the ground, direction etc.
Keep your cats inside. Cats are curious and agile creatures that pose a great threat to both adults and chicks.
Provide adequate water as well as plants for food and shelter. Find out more here.
Do not get discouraged if your nest boxes aren’t used right away. If your habitat is right it’s just a matter of time!