A Bird in the House is Worth Two in the Bush

Many of us can hardly wait for warmer temperatures to bring us budding trees, fragrant flowers and chirping birds. Of course, we're familiar with many of the things we need to do to promote healthy plants and gardens (right?), but how many of you know it's now time to take action - in the dead of winter - to ensure birds are plentiful in your yard in both numbers and variety throughout the summer months?

Birds are desirable for many reasons. They're great at keeping the yard clear of unwanted insects that otherwise require lots of pesticides to control. They're also attractive to watch and can provide hours of entertainment. And who doesn't love listening to their beautiful calls?

Many of the birds that migrated south at the onset of cold weather will soon be making their way back to their spring and summer homes to nest. You'll want to make sure any birdhouses you plan on putting out are ready when they return to your neighborhood. Otherwise they may find places to nest other than your property, and your birdhouse could sit empty all year.

The type (or types) of birdhouse you put out will depend on what types of birds are found in your area, as well as what birds you wish to attract. Some birds, such as cardinals, build their nests in dense thickets or bushes and not in birdhouses. Others, such as wrens or hummingbirds, appreciate having a comfortable home provided for them. You'll also have to be realistic about which types of birds you are capable of attracting. For example, your habitat may not be attractive for a wood duck, but a robin or wren may feel right at home.

In all, more than 50 species of birds in North America will use birdhouses. If you're buying a birdhouse, read the packaging or literature or talk to the retailer to find out what birds it will attract. If you're buying off the Internet, be careful that what you purchase is suitable for your area. If building your own birdhouse, read the plans carefully to know the birds for which it is best suited.

Here are some quick tips to consider before putting out a birdhouse:

• Birds can be finicky in deciding where to nest, and they may look over several houses before deciding on one. You may put out more than one house in different locations to give them options. Otherwise, if they don't like the house you put out, they may end up in another location.
• Try to face the box so the wind doesn't blow through the opening. It's also wise to face the openings to the east or north to avoid letting in the hot mid-day and afternoon sun.
• Most birds like houses that are not in the open, so try to locate them around trees, shrubbery or other natural cover. This also creates a handy spot for parent birds to perch for a few minutes to inspect the house or surrounding area for danger before going inside.
• Make sure the house has some cross ventilation. If they are not already there, a few well-placed holes with a medium-size drill bit will do nicely.
• If not already provided, drill a couple of small holes in the bottom to facilitate drainage.
• Some birds prefer privacy, so do not place the house too close to high-traffic areas, bird baths or bird feeders. However, if you wish to observe the birds nesting, make sure you have a clear view through a window or other place that won't be intrusive.
• Predators can be a big problem, so it's best to locate the house on a sturdy pole and, perhaps, even install guards to dissuade unwanted visitors. If you nail it on a tree trunk or fence post, chances are a cat or squirrel can easily get to it. Some houses can be suspended by rope or wire from limbs. Just remember that you need to have easy access to the house.
• You may love cats, but they are probably the number one enemy of birds each year. If they don't kill the birds, they may simply scare them away. Keep this in mind when placing and caring for your birdhouse.
• Make sure the house opening is no larger than recommended for the species of bird you are trying to attract in order to prevent larger birds from taking it over.
• A good rule of thumb is to place no more than four small birdhouses - or one large house - for the same type bird per acre. Some birds are territorial and may fight over those rights.
• Put out a bird feeder that enables you to feed the type of birds you wish to attract. Again, read the packaging before you buy, or ask the retailer for their advice.
• Water is essential for attracting birds. It can be in the form of a birdbath, pond, mister or simply a pan of water changed on a regular basis to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. If you have automatic sprinklers, make sure the spray doesn't disturb the house.
• Remember that patience is a virtue when it comes to enticing birds into your yard. You may get lucky right away, or you may go the entire year without success. Birds may move nests in mid-year if their first nest is disturbed or threatened, so leave your house out through the summer even if it isn't occupied right away. However, if an entire year passes and the house remains empty, simply move it to a different location and try again next year.

Hummingbirds are especially desired by many homeowners, because the birds are beautiful to watch. However, attracting them may be very difficult and requires a specific set of steps to be followed. For detailed instructions, visit one of the many birding Web sites. One that is especially informative is about.com at birding.about.com/library/weekly/aa032101e.htm. Another interesting site is from the Baltimore Bird Club, www.bcpl.net/~tross/by/house.html.

By Neal Caldwell, Founder, Dalen Products, Inc.
Happy Gardening!