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Once a pair of birds has adopted the box, it should not be inspected or disturbed. Although it is tempting to keep checking on the progress of eggs and chicks, you risk frightening off the parents altogether. Instead keep a watch on the box and note down which species used it and when. Note also when the young birds leave the box, as they may return to roost there for a few weeks after leaving. In some years, a pair of birds will rear more than one brood.

In the autumn, when you are certain the box has been vacated, clear out the old nesting material which can harbour parasites.

Pied wagtail

READY-MADE NEST BOXES

Ready-made boxes and detailed plans for making a range of specialised nest boxes can be obtained from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO)