The Bird Magnet

Birds are everywhere.

Where? You ask…I never see any.

The answer…in your back yard. Again, You say, “I never see any.” No intention to sound rude, but, how often do you look in your backyard?

Either way, there is a solution to no birds in your backyard. Even if your backyard is small-birds will be there if you make your backyard a bird destination. To be elaborate, let’s call it your backyard the: Bird Magnet. There really are specific things which will bring birds to your backyard like a magnet attracts iron.

Wait a minute…don’t stop reading yet. One of my personal life rules is: “keep it simple.” Still with me? The plan I share with you for Backyard Birding is simple. You can make a bird mecca-in your backyard. The plan is simple-just three steps simple. No fanfare now…here they are:

1. Provide food.

2. Provide water.

3. Provide nesting structure.

Remember the reason for a bird “magnet?” Your kids. You want your kids to learn responsibility, and to be ambitious and industrious. You want them to be reliable, on time and faithful. You wish for your children to be loyal and determined to keep on even when things are tough. Make your backyard a bird magnet. Teach your children to enjoy, watch and learn from birds. We can see all of the character qualities I just mentioned in birds. Don’t ask me to explain, I am not being obstinate…see for yourself, watch the birds. Birds display each of those desirable character qualities, some more than others. Birds are living object lessons you can use to teach your children well.

Let’s work backward on our list of three…nest structures first. While there are many kinds of nest structures you can build, my focus for you will be on one. (See? simple.) It is the Bluebird box. While “experts” will tell us we need different boxes for different species, there are four different species which use the basic 6’ board box design. Click on the button for the 6’ board plan. Then come back and look at the photos I took for you…we’ll use them for sharing some keep it simple details you won’t find in the “expert” section.

Here it is, the Bluebird Box which can be built from the 6’ board design. The only variation in my design from the design on the Button is I did not cut the top at an angle. You can…if you want. This square design has worked very well. A Chickadee nested in this box and fledged 5 young. You can see how the box sets on the top of a steel fence post…and the holes drilled to fasten it to the post with wire. Use soft wire…it’s easy to work with.

Use 3/4 inch pine board, 6’ long for 1 box. Plan for a minimum of 2 boxes in your yard. If Tree Swallows, (or Chickadees) occupy one box, the other is available for the Bluebirds. Put the boxes at least 30 feet apart. ( I am left handed, that’s why the tape measure is upside down,)

I am not fancy. This is the back of the box. I twist the wires to tighten the box to the post. Keep it simple.

Here is the other side with the bottom of the box resting on the top of the post. My boxes have never come off using this method. The fence post should be 6 feet long. NO need to put a guard on…but the plans do include how to make one.

I drilled two slanting downward holes (1/4 inch diameter at the top on both sides) for ventilation. Slant downward to keep out rain. Cutting the corners on the bottom of the box is wise also…it adds a cross flow of air and allows for drainage and a dry box.

The design of this box has the opening on the side. Using a galvanize nail will prevent rust from forming and making the box hard to open. You do want to check the nest at least weekly. It is a delight to see the progress from egg to juvenile bird. This process goes fast! Let’s break a myth here…opening the box to look inside, even gently touch the eggs will NOT result in the mother bird leaving the nest. Just don’t stay too long…or disturb the nest when you look.

You will not find this idea in most Bluebird websites. This is a House Sparrow Guard. Your backyard may not have House Sparrows-be thankful. If it does…this little device is your answer. It is a simple circle of soft wire fastened with a sheet rock screw to the top and center of the box roof. Tie 4-5 6 inch strips of monofilament fishing line on the wire and space them out. House Sparrows do not like the fishing like for some reason. Bluebirds, Tree Swallows and Chickadees do not mind. Why put this up? Is necessary? House Sparrows, first are not native birds. Second they take over a habitat replacing native song birds. (You really do not want House Sparrows in your nest boxes.) Third, if you are thrilled to have a Bluebird take one of your boxes. You will be greatly saddened if a House Sparrow takes it over by killing the female Bluebird. I have experienced this. Colored line seems more effective.

I am almost positive this little simple sparrow guard works…this is the first season using it and so far…no sparrow take over. Try it…its…simple.

One more thing,,,at the end of the season enlist your kids to help you take down the boxes. Leave the posts. Your boxes last longer, and…you can have a spring ceremony and put the boxes up when you see your first Bluebird!

Now for tools-a cordless drill.

With a Philips bit…sheet rock screws work best to fasten your boxes together…and they take a Philips bit.

If you can, use galvanized screws and nail for the box…they will not rust as fast.

Did I tell you that building a Bluebird Box with your kids is a wonderful project. It is nature stewardship, it is something to do together, and it is basic construction…with math involved…and problem solving…told you it was good.

Here are the rest of the tools…no power equipment-except for the cordless drill-simple.

While nesting season is already almost over as I write this, there is still the possibility a Bluebird would choose a box you build now. If you do build boxes now, you are ready for the next spring nesting season. There…we have the third component of creating a backyard bird magnet. Next…bird feeders and water…ask me a question, I’ll try to answer.