Also, I read somewhere that boxes near to food sources can cause problems as birds in the boxes will forever be fighting off birds that are feeding. Is there anything else I can … I've only just put up the bird boxes so I don't expect them to get used for a while. But the invasive birds don’t like human activity, so just your presence might be enough to scare them off, LeBaron says. Boxes may be large, designed to host a hibernating colony of bats, or small, designed to support a few individual crevice dwelling bats. However, is there a chance that birds won't use them at all due to their proximity to the neighbouring box? Pairing boxes has the advantage of allowing more birds of both species to coexist peacefully within the same habitat. Species are organised alphabetically by common name, and for each one we have included information about the preferred type of box and siting location. Wherever you position the box, try to ensure that you can still get access to it for maintenance. Or, you can put two boxes back to back on a single pole. Choosing bird houses whether for Bluebirds, Wrens, or Nesting Shelves for Robins shouldn't be done without thought.. Not all birds nest in man-made boxes and not all are built the same. When attaching a nest box to a tree, try not to use nails or other materials that will rust and cause damage to the tree. Birds such as Tree Swallows and bluebirds will nest closely to one another, although they will drive away others of their own species. Each species prefers certain locations and habitats in which to nest and rear its young. Try to distribute them evenly around the garden, ensuring there are sufficient food sources availablefor each one. And finally, if possible, try to put it somewhere where you can see it, or invest in a nest box camera, so as to maximise your enjoyment of watching wild birds in your garden. BLUEBIRDS, TREE SWALLOWS, WRENS AND CHICKADEE HOUSES Wrens, bluebirds and tree swallows are the birds most commonly attracted to single-unit, enclosed bird houses. Most species of bird are territorial, so having too many nest boxes in one area can cause problems. Natural Feeding: The best place to put a feeder will simulate a bird's natural feeding preferences.Suet feeders for woodpeckers, for example, will be more popular if placed near tree trunks or thick branches. This guide is designed to help you choose the best bird box, based on the species of bird that you are hoping to attract, or that you know can be found in your garden or other outdoor space. There are also boxes that can be attached to trees or walls of buildings. Putting up a pair of nest boxes, at least several feet away from each other, can ensure that there is a spot for the bluebirds even if starlings or sparrows set up camp, too. The information below will help you select the best type for the bird or birds you want nesting in your backyard. Platform feeders for ground-feeding birds do best in areas where those birds will normally feed, such as near shrubbery. Bird boxes are likewise diverse in their appearance, specialised to different species requirements.