Advice for Newbie

[citychick]

Hi There

I am Lauren, I am new to the forum. I am 21 years old, I live in Gloucester City Centre.

Over the past 6 months I have been feeding the birds, which has gradually become a bit of an addiction as I find it very rewarding to see the birds taking advantage of the food I am offering.

This weekend I put up a robin nest box at approx 5ft high facing south east and I put up a multi nester box about 7ft high facing south (west - ish). Is this ok?

Also, I am very interested in buying or even making a sparrow terrace. How high up do they need to be positioned as I am worried about making my husband go up the ladder very high, and where should they be facing? We get lots of house sparrows visiting :)

I hope i have posted this in the right area.

Thanks

Lauren - Citychick

[Jandy]

Hi, citychick - I have checked on the advice given in the CJ Wildlife catalogue, and they say that nestboxes should be sited between 1.5m and 5.5m high, and out of reach of cats and other predators (I don't know how one achieves the last part!) They should be in a sheltered shady site avoiding prevailing winds and direct sunlight, and should not face due south. Somewhere with good foliage cover is preferable, ie on an ivy-covered wall or in or next to a thick bush, which will help to deter predators and assist the fledglings when taking their first flights. If you haven't got a CJ catalogue I should ask them for one, as it has quite a lot of useful information. (They also stock House Sparrow terraces!)

[NUTBAGS]

Sparrows naturally nest in roof spaces so like to be high up.My sparrow terrace is fitted just under the eaves and gutter,so is sheltered from rain.I've had sparrows nesting in it every year since putting it up.3 broods last year.this year i've just installed cameras into each compartment.we currently have one sparrow roosting.