Making a homemade bird nest is a fun and rewarding activity that allows you to provide shelter for our feathered friends. Birds need a safe place to lay their eggs, raise their young, and rest in between flights. While many birds build intricate nests out of twigs, grass, and mud, you can easily construct a basic nest at home with some simple materials.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through everything you need to know about building bird nests. We will cover suitable materials, key design considerations, step-by-step instructions, placement tips, maintenance, and more. With a bit of effort and creativity, you can make cozy bird real estate that allows avian parents to safely nurture the next generation.
Why Make a Homemade Bird Nest?
There are many great reasons to try your hand at DIY bird nest creation:
Help Local Bird Populations
Many species are losing natural nesting spots as urbanization encroaches on wild habitats. Building nests provides vital shelter for birds in developed areas without many trees or dense vegetation. You can support conservation efforts and give back to nature right from your own backyard.
Observe Bird Families Up Close
By situating a nest box near windows, you can get an up-close look at birds nesting, laying eggs, feeding chicks, and fledging young. It’s a fascinating learning experience, especially for kids.
Attract Birds to Your Yard
Providing a nest box draws in breeding birds that might not otherwise visit your property. You can enjoy seeing more species drawn in by suitable breeding spots tailored just for them.
Creative Satisfaction
Building a nest from scratch lets you flex your creative muscles and work with your hands. It’s deeply fulfilling to craft shelter for other living creatures.
Help Specific Species
You can modify nest box designs to meet the needs of particular birds. For example, you can put up swallow nests, woodpecker boxes, owl houses, or purple martin complexes to boost the populations of specific species.
Choosing a Nest Box Location
One key to nest box success is proper placement. Take the following factors into consideration when selecting a mounting spot:
Exposure
Birds often prefer nests with a mix of sun exposure for warmth and shade for cooling off. East or southeast-facing spots work well. Make sure the area doesn’t overheat.
Shelter
Areas protected from strong wind and rain, like under eaves or covered porches, provide better protection. Avoid exposed, stand-alone placements.
Height
Mount boxes 5-15 feet off the ground, depending on the species. Tree cavities and high ledges suit birds that fear predators. Place the box out of reach.
Access
The nest needs an open flight path without obstructions. Pay attention to branches, wires, vines, and other obstacles in the way.
predators
Cats and raccoons can threaten nesting birds. Avoid installations too close to the ground or trees that allow access. Use predator guards.
Human Activity
Areas distant from high traffic and noise let shy birds nest undisturbed. Stay away from frequently used doors, equipment, and playgrounds.
Nesting Box Materials
You can construct nesting boxes from all kinds of repurposed and all-natural materials:
Wood
Untreated, unpainted wood is long-lasting and breathable. Pine, cedar, and redwood resist decay. Reclaimed barn wood has charm. Use exterior-grade wood.
Natural Fibers
Coconut shells, coconut coir, straw, grasses, leaves, bark strips, and twigs mimic materials birds use in the wild.
Clay
Packing clay or air-dry modeling clay lets you sculpt creative shapes that birds may enjoy.
Gourds
Dried gourds make quaint, biodegradable hanging nests. You can also try hollowed-out fruit like oranges.
Bamboo
This sustainable grass can be cut into tubes, packed with nest material, and hung up.
Wicker
Vines woven into baskets make a sturdy base you can line with softer stuff.
Recycled Items
Try repurposing plastic bottles, tin cans, baskets, pots, or crates. Be sure to smooth sharp edges.
Essential Nest Box Features
Keep these key elements in mind when building nesting sites:
Opening
The entry hole size varies based on the bird species. Typical openings are 1-2 inches in diameter. It should be smooth and free of obstructions.
Interior Space
Make sure the interior offers sufficient room for nest building and adequate space for adult birds to turn around, brood, and feed.
Ventilation
Good airflow is crucial. Add ventilation holes, gaps between materials, mesh panels, or perches to let fresh air circulate.
Drainage
Drill a few small drainage holes in the nest box floor to allow rainwater to drain out. Otherwise, things may get muddy.
Protection
Use thicker wood, metal guards, or barriers to prevent squirrels, raccoons, cats, and snakes from raiding nests.
Access
A removable side, roof, or front panel makes it easy to monitor and clean out old nesting material each season.
Constructing a Classic Wooden Birdhouse
Follow these step-by-step instructions to build a basic wooden nesting box suitable for smaller songbirds:
Gather Materials
You’ll need 1×6, 1×8, or 1×10 untreated exterior-grade pine lumber, wood glue or screws, a drill with various size bits, and ~1/4″ plywood or mesh for ventilation.
Cut Pieces
Cut the lumber into rectangular sections for the front, back, sides, roof, and floor plate. Typical dimensions are 4″-6″ x 4″-6″. The floor should be at least 5″ square.
Assemble the Box
Glue or screw together the front, back, and sides, leaving one side detached for access. Make sure corners align neatly.
Add the Floor
Glue or screw a square wooden floor plate into the bottom of the nest box to give birds a sturdy foundation.
Create Ventilation
Drill ventilation holes into one or more sides and/or add mesh panels. This allows hot air and moisture to escape.
Add the Roof
Attach a slightly sloped wooden roof using glue or screws to allow rain runoff. Overhang the roof ~1-2″ to protect the entry hole from precipitation.
Include Perches
Perches give birds a place to land and rest. Attach a small dowel, branch, or wood block below the entry hole.
Finish the Exterior
You can leave the nest box unfinished or add exterior stains or paints. Avoid treating the interior.
Install a Hanging Option
Add wire, cord, or a bracket so you can mount the completed nest box in the desired location.
Hanging Basket Nest
Want to take on a more natural-looking project? Try weaving this hanging nest from wicker, grasses, and natural fibers.
Materials
Gather vines, dried grasses, twigs, shredded bark, leaves, coconut fiber, twine/string, wire, and a wire or wicker basket frame.
Line the Basket
Crisscross vines, twigs, or grasses across the inside of a small-to-medium basket. Wrap and weave them securely in place.
Add Insulation
Pack shredded bark, coconut fiber, leaves, moss, wool, or other soft, insulating materials into the basket lining. Make a cozy, cup-shaped interior.
Shape the Exterior
Wrap the outside with long grasses and vines to give the nest natural camouflage and weather resistance. Tuck ends securely.
Install Hanging System
Use wire or string to create loops so you can hang the finished nest from a tree branch or hook. Test for sturdiness.
Waterproof (Optional)
Use flexible twigs or non-toxic glue to add a waterproof “roof” outer layer. This protects interior materials from getting soggy.
Site in Sheltered Area
Hang the natural style nest in a covered porch or under the eaves for extra weather protection. Monitor and adjust hang height.
Nest Maintenance Tips
Regular nest maintenance keeps things clean and functional for returning avian residents:
– Inspect boxes regularly for damage from weather, animals, and more. Make any needed repairs immediately.
– Clean out old nesting materials, feathers, droppings, etc. after baby birds have fledged in late summer.
– Check for insect/rodent infestations. Use safe methods to eliminate pests and parasites.
– Apply fresh natural substances like bark or sand to replace soiled floor bedding.
– Ensure roofs remain securely attached and entry holes stay clear of obstructions.
– Verify that hanging nests are tightly fastened and monitor attachment ropes/wires.
– Rehang boxes if needed to improve sun exposure, drainage, cover, flight access, and other factors.
– Consider installing new nest boxes periodically to replace any that become overly weathered.
Conclusion
Building homemade bird nests can be an extremely rewarding hobby. With some simple materials, basic carpentry skills, and proper placement, you can create safe shelter that helps local bird populations thrive. While nesting needs vary by species, you can easily customize projects to attract the types of birds you want to support. Homemade nests allow you to witness the wonders of nature up close while benefiting your backyard ecosystem. Whenever you spot tiny beaks chirping from one of your hand-crafted sanctuaries, you can be proud of the positive impact. So grab supplies from around the house, head out to the yard, and start constructing a cozy avian abode!