NEST BOXES / NEST SHELVES
These Nesting Boxes (L-R Eastern Bluebird, Eastern Screech Owl) shown and Nest Shelves were crafted by volunteers from Nature Connection of West Milford.
Benefits of a Nesting Box and Nesting Shelf:
The nesting box shown above and nesting shelves are Nature Connection of West Milford volunteer-made enclosures provided for birds to nest in. They offer numerous benefits for wildlife and people:
Benefits for Birds and Wildlife:
- Safe Shelter: Protects birds from predators, bad weather, and disturbance while nesting or roosting. The Nest Boxes we constructed have roofs, but also have small drainage holes or accommodations in the event rain gets into the box. The Nest Shelves provide shelter from rain and wind for species like Robins and Eastern Phoebes that prefer a more open fronted nesting area.
- Breeding Space: Provides a suitable space for species that may struggle to find natural nesting sites due to habitat loss.
- Temperature Regulation: Offers insulation that helps regulate temperature extremes, improving survival rates for eggs and chicks. The Nest Boxes we constructed also have ventilation incorporated into the design so they don’t overheat.
- Species Conservation: Helps sustain bird populations by encouraging nesting of beneficial local species.
- Pest Control: Birds like bluebirds and chickadees that use nesting boxes and birds like American Robins and Eastern Phoebes that use nesting shelfs often feed on insects, naturally controlling pest populations. Birds like Owls / Kestrals often feed on small mice/voles, naturally controlling rodent populations.
Benefits for Gardeners and Landowners:
- Natural Pest Management: Birds help reduce insect pests in gardens and agricultural areas. Owls/Kestrals help keep rodent populations in check.
- Educational Opportunities: Observing bird behavior offers learning experiences for children and adults alike.
- Aesthetic Enjoyment: Watching birds can be a relaxing and enjoyable activity.
- Biodiversity Boost: Encourages a diverse range of wildlife in gardens and open areas (bluebirds) or wooded areas (Owls).
By providing nesting boxes and/or nesting shelfs, you contribute to conservation efforts while enjoying the benefits of thriving wildlife in your area..
Who lives in the Nesting Box and/or Nesting Shelf:
Each type of bird will have their own preference for nest type, size and location. Cardinals prefer to nest in dense foliage, such as thickets, tall trees, and grapevines, rather than in birdhouses or nesting boxes, however they may use a secluded nest shelf. Eastern Goldfinches prefer to nest in open settings in trees and shrubs, usually 4–10 feet high, but typically will not use a nest box. There are many varieties of birds such as bluebirds and chickadees which will use nest boxes and such as phoebes and robins that will use nest shelves. Each of those birds will have a different preference for size and location of nesting box and/or nesting shelf.
Customization for Specific Species
- Nesting boxes and nesting shelfs can be tailored to attract specific bird species by adjusting features like entrance hole size and box dimensions.
Eastern Bluebird Nesting box:
The opening and design has been tailored for the Eastern Bluebird. Other bird species such as Swallows will also use this same size/type nesting box.
Black-capped Chickadee Nesting box:
The opening and design has been tailored for the Black-capped Chickadee. Other bird species such as Bewick’s Wrens and Nuthatches may also use the same size/type nesting box.
Eastern Screech Owl Nesting box:
The opening and design has been tailored for the Eastern Screech Owl. Other owl/raptor species such as Kestrals will also use this same size/type nesting box.
Eastern Phoebe Nest Shelf:
The size and design has been tailored for the Eastern Phoebe. Other birds such as American Robin and Barn Swallows may also use the same size/type of nesting shelf.
Additional Links to Explore:
You can find out more information about Eastern Bluebirds at the following url(s): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_bluebird
https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/eastern-bluebird
You can find out more information about Black-capped Chickadees at the following url(s): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-capped_chickadee
https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/black-capped-chickadee
You can find out more information about Eastern Screech Owls at the following url(s): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_screech_owl
https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/eastern-screech-owl
You can find out more information about Eastern Phoebes at the following url(s): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_phoebe
https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/eastern-phoebe
How is the Nesting Box or Nest Shelf Designed/Constructed?:
The Nature Connection of West Milford volunteers used the materials of construction of western cedar for Eastern Bluebird and Black-capped Chickadee Nesting Boxes and common pine board for Eastern Screech Owls Nesting boxes and Eastern Phoebe Nest Shelves . Additional hardware/material has been added for assembly and mounting.
The following instructions and reference information explains how the Eastern Bluebird nesting box was designed and constructed: https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/three-designed-birdhouse-plans-for-eastern-bluebirds.html
The following instructions and reference information explains how the Black-capped Chickadee nesting box was designed and constructed: https://wildlifecenter.org/sites/default/files/documents/Chickadee%20Nest%20Box%20Plans.pdf
The following reference was used along with a provided structure plan for the design and construction of the Eastern Screech Owl Nesting Box: https://nestwatch.org/learn/all-about-birdhouses/birds/eastern-screech-owl/
The following instructions and reference information explains how the Eastern Phoebe nesting shelf was designed and constructed: https://nestwatch.org/wp-content/plugins//nw-nbrc-feature/nestbox-plans/eastern-phoebe.pdf
Installation & Maintenance: Where to put the Nesting Houses and When?
To attract Eastern Bluebirds and ensure their safety, follow these guidelines for the ideal placement of your nesting box:
- Open Habitat: Place the box in open areas with short grass, such as fields, pastures, golf courses, or large backyards. Bluebirds prefer areas free from dense shrubbery or tall trees where predators might hide.
- Height: Mount the box 4 to 6 feet off the ground for easy access and optimal conditions.
- Orientation: Face the box away from prevailing winds and towards open areas, typically east or southeast. This orientation helps keep the box warmer and more sheltered.
- Spacing: Maintain a distance of at least 100 to 300 feet between bluebird boxes to prevent territorial conflicts.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Provide some partial shade in very hot climates but avoid placing the box entirely under dense cover.
- Predator Protection: Use predator guards on mounting poles to deter snakes, raccoons, and other threats. Avoid placing boxes on trees or fence posts that predators can easily climb.
To attract Black-capped Chickadee and ensure their safety, follow these guidelines for the ideal placement of your nesting box
- Height: Mount the box 4 to 15 feet above the ground. A height of around 5 to 10 feet is generally ideal for chickadees.
-Location: Choose a semi-open area with nearby shrubs or trees for cover. Avoid placing the box in dense woods or wide-open fields; chickadees prefer forest edges or gardens with trees. Orient the box away from prevailing winds, typically facing east or southeast for morning sun and warmth.
- Mounting: Attach the box to a sturdy pole, tree trunk, or post rather than hanging it to reduce swaying and discourage predators. Use predator guards, such as baffles, on poles to protect against snakes, raccoons, and other predators.
- Entrance Hole: The entrance hole has been designed to be 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in diameter to prevent larger birds from entering. Ensure there is no perch outside the hole, as it can attract predators or aggressive birds.
- Box Features: The wood is untreated wood so as to avoid toxic chemicals. the box has been designed with ventilation near the top and drainage holes at the bottom and has a side panel for access (see maintenance section)
- Timing: Install boxes by late winter or early spring, as chickadees start scouting for nesting sites before breeding season.
To attract Eastern Screech Owls and ensure their safety, follow these guidelines for the ideal placement of your nesting box:
- Location: Place the box in wooded or semi-wooded areas such as forests, parks, or large backyards with mature trees. Avoid busy or noisy areas to minimize disturbances.
- Height: Mount the box 10 to 30 feet above the ground on a tree trunk or pole for optimal nesting conditions.
- Orientation: Face the entrance hole east or southeast to provide shelter from prevailing winds and maintain warmth.
- Mounting: Securely attach the box to a tree or pole using straps or brackets to minimize harm to the tree and to provide stability.
- Spacing: Maintain a distance from other owl boxes to reduce territorial disputes and competition.
- Environmental Considerations:
Nearby Water Source: Placement near a natural water source such as a pond or stream can increase the likelihood of attracting owls.
Clear Flight Path: Ensure the entrance has an open flight path free from obstructive branches or dense foliage.
To attract Eastern Phoebe and ensure their safety, follow these guidelines for the ideal placement of your nesting shelf:
- Location: Near Water Sources: Phoebes prefer habitats near streams, ponds, or other water bodies.
- Sheltered Areas: Choose a location that is partially protected from the elements, such as under eaves, roof overhangs, or in a covered porch area.
- Quiet and Low-Traffic: Avoid busy or high-traffic areas to reduce disturbance during nesting.
- Height: 5 to 15 Feet Off the Ground: This range keeps the nest safe from ground predators while still accessible for observation and maintenance.
- Orientation: Face Away from Prevailing Winds: Position the shelf so it’s shielded from strong winds and direct rain. Morning Sun Exposure: Ensure some sunlight in the morning but shade during the hottest parts of the day to avoid overheating the nest.
- Design Features: Sturdy and Stable: The shelf should be securely mounted and stable enough to support the nest. Minimal Sides or Open Design: Phoebes prefer open platforms for easy access. Rough Surface for Nest Attachment: Use a wooden or textured surface that helps phoebes secure their nest.
- Predator Protection: No Perches Nearby: Eliminate perches where predators (like cats, snakes, or squirrels) could sit. Install Baffles: Consider adding predator guards on posts if mounted on poles.
- Timing: Install Before Breeding Season: Early spring placement allows phoebes to discover and use the shelf during their breeding season.
Maintenance:
The Eastern Bluebird Nesting Box and Black-capped Chickadee Nesting Box have been constructed of western cedar and have had a coating of natural beeswax applied to the surface to help shed rain drops. The western cedar wood will naturally grey over time. The Eastern Screech Owl Nesting Box and Eastern Phoebe Nest Shelf have been constructed of pine common board.
Natural beeswax can be reapplied to the roof/exterior surfaces to help with the longevity of this nesting box and nest shelf. Linseed oil can alternatively be applied to the roof of a nesting box and/or nest shelf. Other stains and coatings are not recommended as they could have chemicals that could have undesired impacts.
For the Eastern Bluebird and Black-capped Chickadee Nesting Box: Monitor Regularly: Check the box every few days to ensure it's clean, safe, and free of competitors like house sparrows. Keep Clean: Remove old nesting materials between broods or at least at the end of the breeding season to prevent parasites and diseases, by carefully opening the side panel (see pictures below). Generally any hole-dwelling nest box should be cleaned out seasonally. However, for Nest Shelf dwellers (like Eastern Phoebe), since the nest is open, it is less prone to mites, so that nest may be reused in a new year, although the bird will fix it up for the new season. Avoid Pesticides: Keep the surrounding area pesticide-free to protect bluebirds' and chickadee’s food supply.
For the Eastern Screech Owl Nesting Box: Clean the box annually before nesting season (typically late winter to early spring). Avoid frequent disturbances during nesting to prevent stressing the owls. The following picture shows how you can access the nesting box for cleaning:
Observe, Experiment & Enjoy:
We can all learn from observation by seeing which birds are attracted to the nesting house over time and see when they arrive each spring to nest and each summer to see if they have more than one brood. Since the Eastern Bluebird and/or Black-capped Chickadee house may also attract swallows and wrens, and since the Eastern Phoebe Nest Shelf may also attract American Robins, by observing you can see which species is the current occupant of the nesting box.
Providing a well-placed Eastern Screech Owl nesting box not only supports the conservation of Eastern Screech Owls but also offers an opportunity to observe these fascinating nocturnal birds. Since this design of nesting box may also be suitable for Kestrals, you may be surprised to find them taking up residence.
We hope you can enjoy this approach to connecting with nature in your own garden and in the surrounding fields, wetlands and woodlands!