Dear Forum,
My first proper question.
I have an open fronted RSPB birdbox on it's way. Reasoning for this is that we have some nice dense Hebe plants, bamboo etc. on the borders of our garden behind which an open box can be deployed against a fence facing north east at between 1 and 2 metres from the ground (as I understand is best?)
We also have a resident squirrel who's not averse to climbing our (short- 3 meters) fruit trees who is more than confident in snaffling some of the mixed seed mix from a covered bird tray. The Blue/Great tits, Robins and Collared Doves don't appear to be phased by his/her occasional forays but will back off to neighbouring branches within a foot or two until it's clear. It's amazing to watch.
I'm a little worried that a squirrel might see this box as an easy target if it finds it. Will it go for an open nester?
We have a couple of cats too but they're getting on. One isn't interested in chasing wildlife at all and the other isn't the sharpest scalpel in the kit. Neither discovered a Dunnock nest in Ivy two years ago when we had to replace some fencing because of a storm. (To be fair niether did we or we clearly wouldn't have disturbed it) Neither have the ingenuity to reach the proposed site.
The last thing I want to do is invite a bird to nest and potentially place it at risk.
Should I think again?
We also have some of these little rattan roosting pods coming which will be placed much higher in an overhanging tree from next door and other sheltered locations. Just really trying to offer the birds some sheltered vantage points - as well as spotting sites for me.
I'm also aware that this may be pretty late in the year to be rigging new sites but you never know.
Appreciate thoughts
Tm
My first proper question.
I have an open fronted RSPB birdbox on it's way. Reasoning for this is that we have some nice dense Hebe plants, bamboo etc. on the borders of our garden behind which an open box can be deployed against a fence facing north east at between 1 and 2 metres from the ground (as I understand is best?)
We also have a resident squirrel who's not averse to climbing our (short- 3 meters) fruit trees who is more than confident in snaffling some of the mixed seed mix from a covered bird tray. The Blue/Great tits, Robins and Collared Doves don't appear to be phased by his/her occasional forays but will back off to neighbouring branches within a foot or two until it's clear. It's amazing to watch.
I'm a little worried that a squirrel might see this box as an easy target if it finds it. Will it go for an open nester?
We have a couple of cats too but they're getting on. One isn't interested in chasing wildlife at all and the other isn't the sharpest scalpel in the kit. Neither discovered a Dunnock nest in Ivy two years ago when we had to replace some fencing because of a storm. (To be fair niether did we or we clearly wouldn't have disturbed it) Neither have the ingenuity to reach the proposed site.
The last thing I want to do is invite a bird to nest and potentially place it at risk.
Should I think again?
We also have some of these little rattan roosting pods coming which will be placed much higher in an overhanging tree from next door and other sheltered locations. Just really trying to offer the birds some sheltered vantage points - as well as spotting sites for me.
I'm also aware that this may be pretty late in the year to be rigging new sites but you never know.
Appreciate thoughts
Tm