Hanging Birdhouse: How to Support Birds in Winter

feeding station
A bird house to hang up: you should know that in advance

In the cold winter months, foraging for wild birds is not always easy. So that tits, sparrows and robins find enough food, you can help the animals in their search and hang up a bird feeder in the garden or on the balcony. There are a few points to bear in mind.

Feeding birds has several advantages: on the one hand, you make it easier for the animals to search for food, on the other hand, you can observe robins, tits and sparrows up close. For this reason, the Naturschutzbund Deutschland e. V (Nabu) bird feeding also as a combination of nature experience and environmental education – although it has nothing in common with the protection of endangered species, “because it almost exclusively benefits less endangered species that have been equipped by nature in such a way that their stocks do not last even through cold winters be reduced.” Therefore, wild birds should only be fed in the cold season, more precisely from November to the end of February. In spring and summer, the animals find enough food – this also applies to mild winters.

The right location: you should know that

According to Nabu, a bird house should always be hung up in such a way that it is protected from moisture and predators such as cats or martens – and gives you a clear view of the feeding area. Nevertheless, it is important for the animals to be able to flee into surrounding trees or bushes in the event of imminent danger. Therefore, choosing the right location is crucial when choosing a hanging birdhouse. “Make sure that nearby panes of glass do not become deadly traps for the birds. Avoid looking through or reflecting in your windows. Stick any stickers or patterns on dangerous panes from the outside,” the German Nature Conservation Union also points out.

Bird house to hang up: 5 models in comparison

Most models are made of real wood, MDF or metal. However, the most important requirement for a hanging bird house is that the animals cannot walk around and defecate in it. “In this way you minimize the transmission and spread of pathogens. In addition, the feed does not spoil in it,” explains the Nabu the background. In the following we present five models in more detail.

1. Bird house made of pine fir

According to the manufacturer this bird house from the wild animal heart is made of 100 percent weatherproof and natural solid wood (18 mm thick), more precisely it is FSC-certified pine fir. The house can be filled with birdseed via the front flap. With additional hooks on the outside, fat balls can also be attached to it, for example.

2. Bird house made of pine wood

This bird house by dobar is made of weatherproof pine wood and impregnated with a colored glaze. In the middle there is a silo made of UV-resistant acrylic glass, through which you put the feed. According to the manufacturer, the model should be reminiscent of the traditional architectural style so that it fits into any modern design environment. The house is fastened with a tear-resistant cord.

3. Plastic bird house

Also this granite colored one Emsa model made of weather-resistant and easy-to-clean plastic (UV-resistant) was kept in a modern country house style. According to the manufacturer, the bird house can fulfill different functions all year round: either it serves as a food source for litter and suet balls – or as a bird bath in summer. The model can either be hung up or attached to the wall of the house in the gable.

4. Stainless steel bird house

This birdhouse (more precisely, the food in it) in a simple design is to be protected from rain and moisture by an extra large roof ledge. Made from shiny stainless steel Model by dobar can be hung in a tree with a metal wire or attached to a wall.

5. Fir wood kit

Unlike the other birdhouses we have presented to you, this one has to be by Royal curtainers only be assembled by hand. The scope of delivery includes (almost) everything you need: varnished fir wood cuts, screws, cords and roofing felt. You only need to add a Phillips screwdriver for a smooth assembly.

Instructions: How to build your own bird feeder

If you want to build a birdhouse to hang up yourself, you only need a few accessories – such as wooden boards (made of spruce, fir or pine) and a strip, Plexiglas, nails or wood screws, screws (with wood thread) and a tear-resistant cord or a stable one Rope. This video clearly explains how to assemble the individual parts step by step:

You will find a suitable assembly manual for this here.

Source: NABU

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