Are you looking for new hobby? Do you want to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your property? Perhaps you’re a lover of nature and you’d like to help out the happy little critters that you share a habitat with? Whether one, two, or all of these questions apply to you, there’s a simple solution to all three: hanging a birdhouse!
It might sound simple – and in essence it is – but something as simple as hanging a birdhouse on your yard can offer a wealth of benefits. Of course, a birdhouse provides your feathered friends with shelter, but watching those friends fly in and out of their happy little home can be a wonderfully relaxing and enjoyable hobby; not to mention the fact that these little critters can beautify and bring your yard to life.
Generally speaking, hanging a birdhouse is a relatively easy task; however, in order to maximize the benefits that this structure can offer – for your feathered friends and for you – you have to make sure that it is hung properly, and that it is well-maintained. How do you do both of those things? Read on to learn more!
Reasons to Hang a Birdhouse
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Before we jump in and discuss how to properly hang and maintain a birdhouse this summer, let’s explore some of the benefits of installing one.
Here’s a look at some of the top reasons why homeowners have been hanging birdhouses for decades and even centuries, and why it’s become even more popular in recent years.
A safe habitat for birds.
Industrial, commercial, and residential construction has soared in recent years. It seems like everywhere you turn, a new manufacturing facility, warehouse, suite of offices, retail shopping center, or housing development is popping up. While this construction may be beneficial for people, for animals, for animals – including birds – it can be devastating. As trees and shrubs are knocked down to make way for new construction, our feathered friends are left homeless.
Each year, the natural habitats of so many species of birds are destroyed. Installing a birdhouse on your property is an excellent way to provide feathered friends with a safe place to live. By hanging a birdhouse, you can aid in the restoration of the ecology in your region. Birds will scout out the shelter, build their nests, and will even lay eggs and raise their chicks in a birdhouse on your property.
When you install a birdhouse, you’ll provide native species of birds with a warm place to nest in the winter, a cool place to nest in the summer, and shelter from wind and precipitation all year round. Additionally, a birdhouse will provide native species with protection from predators, and they can serve as a resting place for species as they pass over your property while they’re migrating.
It’s enjoyable.
Observing birds has long been a beloved pastime by many. It’s really quite a simple activity, but it can be quite enjoyable. Watching feathered friends as they swoop into and out of the shelter each day, build their nests, lay and hatch their eggs, and nurture their chicks is a wonderful activity.
Birdwatching is a great way to reduce stress, break away from and forget about the pressures of everyday life, and develop a closer relationship with nature. Waking up to the sweet songs and chirps of those jovial birdies will instantly put a smile on your face. Install a few bird feeders and bird baths, and plant some species of trees, flowers, shrubbery, or other plantings that native birds are attracted to, and you’ll maximize the joy that birdwatching brings.
- PREMIUM CRAFT: This birdhouse is styled in a distressed fashion by using rusted metal and worn paint.
- ELEGANT DESIGN: This item measures 5.12"L x4.33"W x9.84"H,Comes with textured roof, detailed and accented entryway
- EASY to INSTALL and CLEAN - The top of the birdhouse has a ring for hanging. To hang the birdhouse, simply attach the ring hole to a desired location (tree, house, banner, etc.) with rope or hook. If you choose to use this as a functional birdhouse, it should be cleaned out once per season to make room for the next house guest.
- DECORATIVE ACCENT: Delightful garden accessory for adding style to your patio or garden area
- DRESS and FEED - With this birdhouse, you are not only enhancing your garden but also offering your feathered friends a cozy home. We offer you and your bird friends a 100% satisfaction guarantee for this birdhouse
Organic weed and pest control.
Many property owners are understanding the importance and value of organic methods of weed and pest control. It goes without saying that they’re far better than the damaging effects that toxic chemicals can have on your landscape, the habitat, and even the groundwater supply in your area, and your overall health and wellbeing.
Birds can serve as a highly effective natural and organic method of weed and pest control. Native species munch on various types of pests, such as caterpillars, worms, aphids, and various other bugs and insects that love to munch on plantings. They can also help to cut back on the development of weeds, as they eat seeds and sprouts, thus preventing them from overtaking your flowerbeds. In other words, installing a birdhouse is a great way to enhance the health and the overall aesthetic appeal of your landscape.
Improved curb appeal.
In addition to providing housing that will welcome natural weed and pest control to your yard, installing a birdhouse is a simple yet impactful way to enhance the curb appeal of your house. Birdhouses are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, from options that resemble mini log cabins to models that look like Victorian-era of mid-century modern houses, there are so many different options to choose from.
The structure itself will enhance the curb appeal of your property, but so will the birds that turn the house into their home. Imagine the beauty and excitement that birds with brightly-colored leaves will bring to your yard as they swoop through the trees and make their way into and out of the shelter?
They’re affordable.
There are lots of different types of landscape and garden accessories, but many are quite pricy. A birdhouse, however, is an affordable accessory that you can add to your property. There are pre-constructed models available that will suit every budget; however, if you’re limited on funds, you can always purchase inexpensive materials or recycle materials from around your house, workshop, garage, or even your recycling bin to create your own unique and low- to no-priced birdhouse.
- High quality smooth finish wooden shape
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- The product is of great value
Where to Hang a Birdhouse
A birdhouse will instantly turn your back- or front yard into a nesting paradise for native and migrating birds. Yes, there is no doubt that you will enjoy having one (or several) of these structures on your yard. Before you hang a birdhouse, however, you want to make sure that you are selecting an optimal site; a place where birdies will be attracted to it, and where they will be well-protected from predators and the elements. So, where should you hang a birdhouse on your property? Here are a few different options to consider:
Low-traffic areas.
Just like people, birds enjoy privacy. Choose a low-traffic area for your birdhouse. The ideal location would be quiet, calm, and where there is little to no interaction with people and animals. Take the time to survey your outdoor space so that you can select an appropriate location. Ask yourself the following questions while you’re contemplating a space:
- Do people walk by or sit near the space often?
- Do dogs, cats, or other potential predators have easy access to the space?
- Is the space affected by noise pollution?
The answers to these questions will help you choose the ideal spot.
Select the ideal height.
There’s a hard-and-fast rule when it comes to installing a birdhouse: elevation. It should be a minimum of 5 feet off the ground, as this height will help to protect birds that are vulnerable to ground predators. You don’t want to go any higher than 12 feet, as you won’t be able to see your feathered friends as they fly into and out of their new home.
Consider winds.
The wind is another important factor that you’re going to want to take into consideration when you’re selecting a place to hang a birdhouse. The entrance hole should not be facing prevailing winds. If it does, birds won’t be sheltered from the winds, and it’s pretty likely that they won’t take up shelter in the house, rendering it useless.
Steer clear of birdfeeders and birdbaths.
Installing a birdhouse as far away from birdfeeders and birdbaths is highly recommended. While it might be tempting to provide your feathered friends with a resort-like space with all of the amenities that they’ll need to live comfortably, this strategy will actually be detrimental, as it will attract predators.
Choose a sturdy location.
Lastly, you’re going to want to make sure that the location you choose is super-sturdy. If it isn’t sturdy, there’s a good chance that the structure will fall down, potentially injuring the birds that have taken up residence in the house, and possibly injuring anyone who may be in the vicinity if it does fall. There are several sturdy areas to consider, including thick, well-established tree trunks or branches, metal poles, or on the flat side of a building, such as a garage, pool house, or the side, front, or back of your house.
Maintaining Your Birdhouse
Once you’ve chosen the perfect location for your birdhouse and you have securely installed it, don’t just walk away and assume your job is done. To ensure that your feathered friends are well-protected, and that the structure remains safe and secure, you’re going to want to monitor and maintain it. Here are some tips that you can use to keep your birdhouse in tip-top condition:
Keep tabs during nesting season.
Make sure that you keep a watchful eye on the birdhouse during nesting season. Why? Well, because you want to keep predators at bay and ensure that the structure is well-secured so as not to harm the birdies that take up residence inside. If it seems like predators are scouting out the birdhouse, do whatever you can to shoo them away – and to keep them away.
The methods you can employ to prevent predator invasions vary and depend on the species that’s trying to turn the birds and their eggs into dinner. Do a quick search online for tips and strategies that can be used to keep the pest away. If it seems as if the birdhouse has loosened, you’re going to want to secure it to the structure right away. It has to be sturdy, otherwise, a gust of wind could knock the shelter down and injure the birds inside.
Clean it out.
When nesting season is over, take the time to clean out the birdhouse. Whether native or migratory, the birds who take up residence in your birdhouse won’t do so forever, and when they’re ready to move on, they won’t back their bags. They’ll leave behind nesting materials, which will not only detract from the look of the structure, but will also prevent new birdies from moving in. With that said, remove any debris that has been left in the birdhouse. Be sure to wear a pair of sturdy gloves, and bring a paper bag or garbage can along with you so that you can dispose of the waste easily.
Spruceit up.
You may also want to spruce up the birdhouse from time to time. The structure will be exposed to the elements on a constant basis; wind, rain, sleet, snow, and the harsh UV rays of the sun. Such harsh conditions can do a real number on a birdhouse; the paint can peel and the wood can rot, for example. Examine the birdhouse once the nesting season has ended and take the time to fix it up. Replace or repair any damaged wood. Apply a fresh coat of paint. Secure it to the structure that it’s installed on.
Summing It Up
A birdhouse – or several birdhouses – will make a wonderful addition to your property. Whether your front, side yard, backyard, or all three, you’ll simply love having a birdhouse. It will attract new friends, provide much-needed shelter for the critters you share the habitat with, will provide a source of natural pest and weed control, and will add to the aesthetic appeal of your property; not to mention the fact that a birdhouse will provide you with the opportunity to enjoy birdwatching, a wonderful, inexpensive, and stress-relieving pastime that you’ll be sure to enjoy.
With the tips mentioned above, you’ll be able to choose the appropriate location for a birdhouse on your property, and will be able to keep it well-maintained so that it provides years of enjoyment.
