Master Gardener^sm Column for the Week of January 27, 2003
Charlie Spencer
Brunswick County Extension Master Gardener^sm Volunteer

The first week in January, our Master Gardener^sm column addressed providing for bluebirds. This week=s column contains general information on building songbird boxes. Since it is recommended to install songbird boxes by late March or early April, you may wish to get a headstart on building. Building songbird boxes is a simple, inexpensive way to attract songbirds to your property. The following information is provided by North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service Specialists at North Carolina State University.

Why Build Songbird Boxes?
Properly constructed nest boxes can provide shelter in those areas negatively affected by urbanization and intensive management. By building boxes, you can ensure the songbirds on your land a place to nest.

Before You Begin...
Bird species have different habitat needs. To be successful, you must first choose the species you want to attract and understand its food, water, and space requirements. Use the ANest Box Dimensions for Assorted Bird Species@ table below to find the proper dimensions of the nest box for the birds you want to attract. By simply changing dimensions and entrance hole sizes, you can furnish cool, dry, durable, easily-cleaned boxes for any of the small to medium-sized bird species in the following table.

Materials for Songbird Boxes

• To Build: tape measure, hammer, 1 1/2" - 1 3/4" galvanized nails, pencil or chalk for marking, saw, lumber
• To Install: stepladder or extension ladder; 3" galvanized nails, lag bolts, or crimped wire; sheet metal for predator guard

Helpful Construction Hints

• Boxes need at least four 1/4" holes in the bottom to allow water to drain. Several 1/4" holes in the sides will provide adequate ventilation.
• Use durable woods such as cedar, cypress, and pressure-treated pine.
  
• Allow for the width of the sawblade when marking and cutting a board.
• When using hardwood lumber, drill starter holes for the nails to avoid splitting boards.
• Avoid painting boxes or treating wood with a preservative. These boxes may absorb too much heat or give off toxic vapors.
• Hinge the roof or use a pivot nail on one side of the box to make periodic clean-up easier.

Installation and Maintenance Tips
Install all boxes by late March or early April.
Place the boxes 200-300 feet apart to account for the territorial nature of most species.
Firmly attach boxes to posts, trees, or buildings. On live trees, use crimped wire or lag bolts that can be loosened as the tree grows.
Place boxes where they'll receive some shade during the day. In pasture situations, place the box across the fence from nosy livestock!

• Clean out all boxes each year after the young have fledged.
• Inspect boxes regularly and consider adding predator guards if necessary.
• Always work in teams when using folding or extension ladders!

Placement of Songbird Boxes

Send your gardening questions or comments to: Brunswick County Master Gardener Column, P.O. Box 109, Bolivia, NC 28422, or call (910) 253-2610. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope if requesting information or a reply. Answers may be printed in this column.

For further information or assistance, please e-mail:
Charlie Spencer, Brunswick County Extension Master Gardener^smVolunteer

Back to the Master Gardener^sm News Column Page of the Brunswick County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.

Back to the Home Page of the Brunswick County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.

This site is maintained by Kathy Walters.

URL Address: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/brunswick/

Date Created 5/6/2003