Architectural Bird Houses—To Nest or Not to Nest
Bird houses. What garden is complete without one? Birdhouses add architectural detail, decorative accents and some of them even provide habitat for our feathered friends. Yes, some…does this surprise you?
Bird houses are a lot like human houses. Every bird has its nest and only some bird houses are fit for a family. Each bird species has needs and habits that determine what kind of house they want to live in.
Architectural birdhouses are enchanting and intricate. Still, if you only want to have nesting bird houses you will want to be very careful with your selections. We have to remember that these colorful cuties can often be more for decoration than a home for baby birds. But be on the lookout to make sure you get a bird house that is not only beautiful, but also baby bird friendly.
Of course, architectural birdhouses can be functional and functional birdhouses can be architectural. What a proper nesting birdhouse does have that sets it apart from the purely decorative are features that insure the health and safety of the nest. Some will be suitable for nesting, but not all.
When it comes to bird houses for habitat the important thing is to take into account if a bird family will be safe, healthy and happy in this shelter. This means having the proper size opening, a way to clean out old nest materials for new spring occupancy, and in the case of small songbirds, not being a predator perching place.
Nuthatch
Photo Credit: Finnbay/Photobucket
The kinds of birds that usually do well in architectural birdhouses are most often Wrens, Chickadees, Finches, Nuthatches and Titmice.
To appeal to both sides of our bird house natures, we have shopped around for the most beautiful architectural, as well as nest friendly, birdhouses available. We think you will love these 10 cleverly designed bird houses.
With such craftsmanship, bird health and safety features and attention to detail, we see no reason not to indulge in both form and function.
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