At this time of year our birds are busy acquiring their nesting sites and making or repairing their nests.  We thought some ideas around nest boxes would be topical – so thanks to our resident bird expert – David Mellor – here is some info.  David says……………….

The ultimate help is the BTO Nestbox Guide by Chris De Fen £7-99 … available on line http://www.bto.org … it has literally all the knowledge … or popdown the garden centre and buy one … nothing ornate … basics ..? max hole size 26mm for blue tits … 28mm great tits … facing from N to SE … shaded position not in constant sunlight … nowhere near any birdfeeders … do not place boxes in close proximity … easy access in and out …
Open boxes work … had a robin nest last year … old christmas trees ..? pair of linnets raised a brood in one … or put up a satellite dish and get the local collared doves in …
Would love to hear of any breeding records … first house martin arrival …
swallows … etc …

Don’t forget you can add to David’s bird log or make comments at any time – use the comments box on the website, or e-mail luttonsandweaverthorpewebsite@hotmail.co.uk

The robin in our photograph seems to have found an ideal spot – shelter and food provided by a kind human… but it seems that just as important as finding your food is keeping your food!!  Have a look at the second picture…..the blue tit is trying to land as well!