Читать книгу Your Wildlife Garden - Jackie Bennett - Страница 39

A RANGE OF BOXES FOR A RANGE OF BIRDS

Simple wall ledge for blackbirds, sparrows, spotted flycatchers, thrushes

Dimensions: 15×15cm (6×6in)

Open-fronted box for pied wagtails, robins, spotted flycatchers, wrens

Dimensions: 15cm (6in) wide × 15cm (6in) deep

Log box for sparrows, tits and wrens

Standard box for sparrows, tits and wrens

Dimensions: 15cm (6in) wide × 15cm (6in) deep; hole 30mm (1 1/2in) maximum diameter

Open-fronted owl/kestrel box for kestrels site as high as possible; for owls site inside a disused building

Dimensions: 45cm (18in) wide × 45cm (18in) deep × 40cm (16in) high

Birds need safe places to raise their young in the spring and summer, and gardens provide some of the best habitats. If possible there should be a choice of potential sites that different species can use — thick hedgerows for sparrows, walls covered by climbers for blackbirds and thrushes, hollow tree trunks for blue tits, sheds and outbuildings for robins and swallows. Nest boxes should be thought of as an adjunct to these natural sites, not a replacement for them. In towns, where trees are scarce, or in brand new gardens, nest boxes are vital and it is worth trying to include several types in different positions.