A female mountain bluebird visiting her nesting box to feed her young. The box is fastened to a post which is located at the edge of an open field. While we don’t usually see mountain bluebirds, they do appear once in a while. We are more likely to see western bluebirds. They are also rare, but a pair did nest at Tarlatt many years ago. They will use a box like this one. Tree swallows and violet-green swallows will compete with bluebirds for a nesting box.

It’s spring, and the market for housing on the Peninsula is ramping up! Finding the right home in which to raise a family is a top priority for the birds and will be for the next few weeks. Some species like the bald eagle, owls, and the red-tailed hawk, have already found the perfect place for their family.

The housing market looks good this year. We as real estate agents for the birds seem to be doing a great job getting our real estate offers ready for the birds. The refuge, for example, has already been preparing their nest boxes for species like tree swallows, violet-green swallows, and American kestrels. Maybe a bluebird will take a liking to one of them this year as they did a few years ago at Tarlatt.

We can do our part too by making sure the nesting boxes in our yards have been cleaned out and repaired if needed. Now is a good time for cleaning in case a bird or other critter used it as a roost during the winter.

Placing bird houses in the right spot is important. If you are considering putting up a few this year a species preferred placement is of the essence if you hope to attract a nesting pair. The Backyard Bird Shop in Vancouver has produced a note on “Birdhouse Tips”. A few of them are mentioned below. In addition, you can get personalized guidance on which nest boxes to install for your region and habitat — along with free construction plans — on the nestwatch.org website.

Black-capped chickadees and red-breasted nuthatches will soon be on the lookout for a nice piece of real estate. A prime spot for a nesting box is on a tree trunk in or at the edge of the woods. They will also choose a box in a yard where there is protection nearby. Nuthatches like conifers best, while chickadees are happiest with deciduous trees. Height wise 15-18 feet works well.

The American robin prefers to build on a shelf that is shaded by a tree or the eaves of a house or shed. It feels safest at 6-15 feet above ground. Barn swallows will plaster their nest on a horizontal wall under the eaves often with a shelf underneath for support. An overhead cover is also an important feature. Tree or violet-green swallows will come quite readily to boxes in a yard. The nesting boxes can be placed on a tree, on the side of the house or building or on a fence post. They like to be 10-15 feet above ground and if possible near water.

We have been seeing American kestrels on the winter raptor survey, but we also see them in the other seasons. They are a nesting species on the Peninsula. Their preference is for an open area with fields nearby and if possible water. They need the fields for foraging for small insects and rodents. Placement should be at least 10 feet above the ground.

Norther flickers will also use a nesting box. It is important to note though that part of their mating ritual is excavation. If you fill the box with wood shavings, excavation can take place. Their home should be at least 6 feet above ground and located near cover and a dead snag or tree if possible. Some birds like the robin will choose a nice branch or the crotch of a tree in which to build a nest. Thus, if landscaping is of interest. Trees and shrubs are welcomed by nesting birds.

Location is important. Because most birds are territorial, your yard may only be able to accommodate one family of a species. Nesting boxes should be at least thirty feet apart to minimize conflicts. In general, locate boxes in a place where there is shade, cover, and an open flight path to the box. Another important issue is building to the birds specifications. When we buy a house, condo or rent an apartment we have certain amenities in mind while on the hunt. Well, birds do too! Scientists have figured out things like the preferred size of the entrance hole, and the depth of the box. An Audubon website is a good sources for this information.

These tips are most helpful and worthwhile if you want to increase the likelihood of hosting nesting birds. Happy Birding!