Post by Deleted on Apr 10, 2020 13:24:21 GMT
In the past I have moved boxes around when I've had no takers for a couple of seasons. These days I have many dotted around. I use mostly 28mm plates for Great and Blue tits and 25mm if I want to keep it to Blue tits or hopefully a Coal Tit. I know the latter nest lower down and so have one at about 3 ft high behind a conifer.
I agree with Paul in that the boxes attached to the side of the house always seem to be preferred by Blue tits anyway. As for lights my birds including Starlings have never seemed to mind them (though I purposely did not put one in the Robin kettle) In fact the first season I used lights about 10 years ago they failed and stayed on all the time even during the night. The Blue tits and then Great Tits the following year did not mind at all!
As for direction I've had success in West, North, South but have not tried East as that is the front of my house. I try not to face South /South West as the heat in May/June can stress the nestlings.
I agree with Paul in that the boxes attached to the side of the house always seem to be preferred by Blue tits anyway. As for lights my birds including Starlings have never seemed to mind them (though I purposely did not put one in the Robin kettle) In fact the first season I used lights about 10 years ago they failed and stayed on all the time even during the night. The Blue tits and then Great Tits the following year did not mind at all!
As for direction I've had success in West, North, South but have not tried East as that is the front of my house. I try not to face South /South West as the heat in May/June can stress the nestlings.