Decorative Bird Houses
By Babu Banik
The
nesting season is an important time for birds. Its
springtime and birds must now turn to nesting. They turn
their full attention and energy to nesting during
springtime. It is a stressful experience for a bird to
move to a new location. They need to adjust to new
sights, sounds and foods. While birds are amazingly
resilient, there are a number of things you can do to help
minimize the stresses of a new home.
It is important that the birdhouse be
set up even before you purchase your bird. No matter how
simple, elaborate or decorative, the most important
features are safety, the location of the birdhouse and the
dimensions and shape of the birdhouse and entrance. A good
birdhouse must have the following features:
-
Ventilation holes in the top and
drainage holes in the bottom
-
Absence of a perch by the entrance -
perches encourage predators such as cats
-
Easy to clean - birdhouses should be
thoroughly cleaned once a year to remove last year's
nest materials and to prevent nest parasites.
One of the great ways to bring your
yard to life with flashes of color, nature’s music and
amusement is to provide your birds with their own private
nesting area. You can add a birdhouse to your yard or
garden where birds can nest safely without fearing natural
predators. A birdhouse also provides shelter and warmth
during heavy winds and at times of ferocious storms.
If we can have fancy houses, then why
not birds? So, be creative, while choosing a birdhouse.
Birdhouses range in style from gazebo and Victorian styles
to barns and space shuttles. The design is your choice.
You might like to build or purchase a birdhouse that will
reflect your personal character. Birds aren’t really
interested in architectural design, but want a birdhouse
that will provide safety, security and easy access.
Bird population is diminishing in
today’s world due to the use of chemicals that are
polluting their natural habitat and food supply.
Birdhouses protect birds and coupled with well-stocked
feeders and a variety of seeds and insects from your
garden, they will find a safe haven in your backyard. In
return, they bring your garden to life with flashes of
color, wonderful songs and comical antics.
A birdhouse should be well built,
durable, waterproof, cool in summer, warm in winter and
easily accessible to birds. Be sure you allow for cleaning
when assembling your birdhouse. If you’re planning to
purchase one, look for cracks in the wood, knots and other
defects that will allow water to get inside. If you’re
building the house, use your imagination to create a
unique birdhouse that will add a touch of charm to your
yard or garden. Nowadays, many varieties of birdhouses are
available in the market ranging from plain and simple to
the elaborate and decorative. |
