National Nest Box Week

14th to 21st February 2008

Valentine’s Day 2008 will see the British Trust for Ornithology launch the twelfth annual National Nest Box Week, sponsored by Jacobi Jayne. As organisers of the event, the BTO encourages people to put up nest boxes to help our wild birds; birds such as House Sparrows and Starlings, both of which have shown worrying declines in recent years.

Fancy doing something different to celebrate Valentines Day this year? Instead of providing a nest box for Blue Tits or Great Tits, why not aim to help a Species of Conservation Concern, such as House Sparrows and Starlings.

It is difficult for House Sparrows and Starlings to find suitable nesting sites, particularly in the roofs of modern houses. House Sparrows will build nests in thick vegetation, but they will also use nest boxes with a 32mm diameter hole. The box itself should be a minimum of 200mm tall and 120mm deep. House Sparrows breed in loose colonies, so try putting up several boxes a few feet apart. For more information see, http://www.bto.org/nnbw/building.htm

Starlings require a larger box with a larger hole size. The hole diameter should be 45mm and the box should be 300mm tall and 150mm deep. Starlings will nest at any height, so try a few boxes at different heights.

Dr David Leech, Head of Nest Records Scheme at the BTO said, “We can really help these birds by the simple action of putting up nest boxes and giving them the space they need to raise a family. You don’t need a large garden in the countryside; even the smallest town garden has room for a nest box. So go on, put up a nest box this Valentine’s Day and enjoy your new neighbours!”

By putting up a nest box in your garden you could be helping these vulnerable birds to find a home, and it’s not just Starlings and House Sparrows that will use nest boxes; The BTO Nestbox Guide contains information on 24 different types of bird that will use nest boxes, from Spotted Flycatchers to Tawny Owls.

For further information on National Nestbox Week visit the BTO website www.bto.org, or telephone on 01842 750050 or write to BTO, The Nunnery, Thetford, IP24 2PU

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