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Family Lodgings
Bird houses or roosting pockets for individual bird families should face east, west or south - never north. They should be far enough away from any structure, eave overhang or tree to prevent a climbing predator from reaching them. Bird Houses made of natural materials attract a wider variety of nesting songbirds, like the Songbird House with Brown Roof The Watering Hole
Locate the bath within six feet of a tree or tall shrub to give birds a place to fly to if a threat like the neighbor's cat disturbs them while bathing or drinking. Make sure it is not near any hiding places where cats and other predators may lurk. Bird baths can be on a pedestal, hanging, laid flat on the ground or attached, for example, to a deck rail. Be sure your bath is not too deep. The deepest point should be 2-1/2" or less. It's best if the edge of the bath is not slippery so that birds can have sure footing. Bath water should be changed every few days, no matter what the season, to insure a fresh, clear supply. It is important to keep your bath clean. Washing the bath with water and white vinegar will help prevent algae growth and keep the bath fresh. Bath brushes and special bath and fountain protection solutions are available to help keep baths sparkling clean and safe for birds.
Safe Haven
Large arbors and trellises, and vines growing over them provide a safe location for fledglings who wait to be fed by the parents, and when getting their first flying lessons. Locate these within ten to 12 feet from the feeder and birdbath.
In late fall when cover becomes scarce, you can build a save haven with dead branches that you've collected from your pruning efforts. Start with a base of hefty ones laid in two rows at right angles to each other - as if you were building a campfire. Then add upright ones - the largest first, and finishing with the smaller ones. It will look like tent when complete. Click the thumbnail of the diagram to see the larger view. And, after Christmas, don't throw out your tree! Prop it up against a fence and adorn it with suet and seed balls for a tasty retreat for our winged friends. | |||||||||||||
Cedars are one of the best shrubs or trees to provide a safe haven in all types of weather. The rule of thumb is to plant at least one large evergreen shrub or tree for every five to ten deciduous ones. As with any planting, plant shrubs in odd numbered groups of three to five - making sure that you have both male and female shrubs where applicable, so that they will set fruit. Plant varieties that provide fruit at different times of the year. 