BIRD NESTING BOX
Our nest boxes are handcrafted from decay resistant North American Cedar. It was created right here in Western NY State, by Cynthia (the owner of Native Earth Nursery.) According to Nestwatch.org, the following birds may use this box- House Wrens, Chickadees, Titmice, Nuthatches, Prothonotary Warblers, and even Flying Squirrels. I make the entrance holes 11/4 inches in diameter. While it’s been said that Chickadees will only use a box with an entrance hole that’s 1 1/8 inches diameter, I’ve had Black-capped Chickadees use a box with a 11/4 inch entrance hole. For two years in a row, (I assumed it was the same pair), Chickadees used the same box with a 11/4inch entrance hole, and raised two broods both seasons! I think that the location of the box may be more important to them than 1/8 inch diameter difference in the entrance hole. I can attest that House Wrens LOVE this box design. I’ve had as many as six different pairs of House Wrens, in one season, nesting in the boxes that I put up. They also raised two broods each season.
You’ll want to have your nesting box ready for the birds no later than April first. I recommend having it out by mid March, so they’ll have plenty of time to investigate. Although I have provided a hanger on the back, it’s not recommended that you hang a nesting box, since it increases the chances of predation. You can buy pole kits on line, or at stores like Wild Birds Unlimited.
WHERE TO PUT YOUR NESTING BOX- All of the birds listed, except House Wrens, are going to prefer a location within the woods. House Wrens aren’t particular. I’ve had them nest in boxes in the deep woods, and also out in the open. If hanging the nesting box is your only choice of mounting, do not hang on a surface that's in direct afternoon sun. A few hours of morning sun is good, but full afternoon sun will be too hot. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. Nestwatch.org has great information, as well as birds.cornell.edu. Be sure to let me know what birds have set up residence, and send any pictures that you have! Happy birding!
BEE HOUSE
Our solitary bee houses/nests are handcrafted from decay resistant North American Cedar, up-cycled Douglas fir lumber scraps, and locally sourced wild vegetation. It was created by Cynthia, the owner of Native Earth Nursery.
WHEN TO HANG YOUR BEE HOUSE- You’ll want to hang your bee house in early spring, before the weather gets warmer, and the bees are active. Hang it in partial to full sun, preferably with shelter from the elements. Monitor your bee house, and remove the used tubes and materials after a season or two, and replace with new ones. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. Be sure to let me know what bees have set up residence, and send any pictures that you have! Thanks for supporting the pollinators.
