Bird House..... HELP!

[jb144]

Can anyone please advise me? I have bulit 2 birdhouses with cameras.
Both have had single birds roosting for approx 2/3 weeks. They then suddenly have gone. (not at the same time) The boxes face West on the gable side of my house and are safely away from any cats or predaters.
Do single male birds roost like this till they find a mate? Just looking for advice. Thanks for reading.............

[rolf]

Yes they do roost, had similar experiences myself, although my box faces East and is high up on the wall, must move it next year, as it has never had a pair nesting in it.

PS. Welcome to the forum.

[jb144]

Thanks for the reply Rolf. By "ot" I presume you mean move the house to another location? Any suggestions as to how to get the birds to nest in such a nice area!

Regards John

[ladylouise62]

Birds can be very fussy - and some species males build a few nests for the female to choose from - so temporary residence is not a surprise. Think of it this way - it might not have been chosen this time, but it was in the running, so maybe next time....
There are many things that influence the use of a nest box from how well sited it is (in the eyes of a bird) to how rare nice nesting sites are. I think that the main things are to site it in a place that's not too busy (including a busy feeding station), in a place that is not too open to the weather (hot or cold - apparently the best is for the opening to be between north and East, although being not too open to the weather is key).
Take a look at these sites - they may help the siting.... but how to make it into a real 'des-res' is anyone's guess I'm sure that it can't hurt if you ensure that there is some good nesting material nearby (gather old grass, or even the feathers from an old cushion in a net, or moss).

Mind you - I'm giving advice and I've not managed to get my 2 boxes used

National Nest Box Week - Nest box essentials
BBC - Science & Nature UK Wildlife - Bird box

[jb144]

Hi All

It is some time since I switched my camera bird box on so I was very pleased to-night to see a roosting Great Tit. Maybe they see the advancing cold weather before we do!
Best wishes John

[rolf]

That's good news John, certainly looks like you may be in for some inclement weather in the next few days.

[Vastra]

Am not best placed to give Advice as i live on the 3rd floor and only have a Balcony, but when in the Breeding Season i put Suitable food out on the Balcony and Finnally Managed to Attracted Blue Tits and Chafinch i was very Pleased.
After a while tho they stopped Visiting? and i am of the Opinion that the likes of Jay and Sparrowhawk saw them going to and from the Nest to the Feeding Station in the Open!
So i say ur problem there is probbally lack of Cover for the Birds.