Create a save haven for birds in a city with a birdhouse

Simple Steps to Create a Save Haven for Birds on Your Terrace or Garden with a Birdhouse

Aug 25 2024

As natural habitats shrink and urban landscapes expand, birds face increasing challenges in finding suitable nesting sites. So, why not create some extra space for these lovely creatures in your city garden or even on your flat terrace by adding a birdhouse? In this article we give you some simple tips to make this happen.

Why Should You Place a Birdhouse?

The decline of old-growth trees, where many bird species naturally nest in cavities, leaves them struggling to secure safe places to raise their young. Human activities in a city like urban development have further exacerbated this problem, leading to a loss of nesting habitats. Without adequate shelter, many bird species are at risk of population decline, which threatens not only their survival but also the health of entire ecosystems that rely on these birds for pest control, pollination, and seed dispersal.

Placing birdhouses in trees helps sustain bird populations, aids in natural pest control, supports pollination and seed dispersal, provides educational benefits, and contributes to biodiversity and conservation efforts.

Supporting Bird Populations: Birdhouses provide essential nesting sites for cavity-nesting species like bluebirds, chickadees, and wrens. Natural cavities in old trees are becoming scarce due to deforestation and urbanization, making birdhouses a vital alternative.
Pest Control: Birds often feed on insects, which can be pests in gardens or agricultural settings. By attracting birds, birdhouses help maintain a natural balance, reducing the need for chemical pest control.
Pollination and Seed Dispersal: Many birds contribute to pollination and seed dispersal. By providing a safe nesting environment, you encourage their presence, which can boost local biodiversity.
Educational Opportunities: Birdhouses offer a unique chance to observe bird behavior up close. They can serve as an educational tool for children and adults alike, fostering a greater appreciation for wildlife and conservation.
Aesthetic and Environmental Value: Birdhouses can enhance the visual appeal of a garden or park. They also contribute to the overall health of local ecosystems by supporting bird populations, which in turn helps maintain plant diversity.
Conservation and Species Protection: For some species, particularly those that are threatened or endangered, providing artificial nesting sites can be a key conservation strategy. Birdhouses can play a role in protecting these species and supporting their recovery.

9 Tips When Getting or Building a Birdhouse

When buying or building birdhouses, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure they are safe, durable, and attractive to birds. Pay attention to the following:

Material: Use natural, untreated wood like cedar, pine, or cypress. These materials are durable and provide good insulation. Avoid using metal or plastic as they can overheat or lack proper insulation. Avoid using treated wood, as chemicals can harm birds.
Size and Dimensions: The size of the birdhouse should match the species you aim to attract. The entrance hole’s diameter is crucial—too large, and it may invite predators or larger, unwanted birds; too small, and it will be inaccessible. For example, a hole diameter of 1.25 inches is suitable for wrens and chickadees, while 1.5 inches is ideal for bluebirds.
Ventilation and Drainage: Proper ventilation and drainage are vital to prevent the birdhouse from becoming too hot or retaining moisture, which can be harmful to nestlings. Ensure there are small holes at the top for airflow and at the bottom for water drainage.
Predator Protection: Incorporate features to deter predators, such as a deep floor space below the entrance hole or adding a metal guard around the hole. You can also mount the birdhouse on a pole with a baffle to prevent climbing predators like raccoons or snakes.
Placement: Position the birdhouse at the appropriate height, usually between 5 to 15 feet off the ground, depending on the species. Ensure it’s placed in a location that offers some shelter from wind and rain, such as near trees or shrubs, but not too close to dense cover where predators might hide.
Maintenance: Choose a birdhouse with an easy-to-open design for regular cleaning. Nesting material and debris should be removed after each breeding season to prevent parasites and prepare the house for future occupants.
Paint and Finish: If painting, use non-toxic, water-based paint on the exterior only. Leave the interior unfinished. Subtle, natural colors like green, brown, or gray help the birdhouse blend into its surroundings, making it less visible to predators.
Security and Stability: Ensure the birdhouse is securely attached to its mount, whether a tree, pole, or wall. It should be stable enough to withstand wind and not easily dislodged by animals.
Respect for Local Ecosystems: Finally, consider the needs of local bird species and avoid placing too many birdhouses close together, which can increase competition and stress among birds.

Where Should You Place a Birdhouse The Best?

Placing birdhouses in the right location is crucial for attracting birds and ensuring their safety. Here are key considerations for optimal placement:

Height: Position the birdhouse at an appropriate height depending on the species you want to attract. Generally, placing it between 5 to 15 feet off the ground works well. For example, bluebirds prefer 5-10 feet, while wrens and chickadees are comfortable with heights between 6-10 feet.
Direction of the Entrance Hole: The entrance hole should ideally face away from prevailing winds and direct sunlight. In North America, this typically means facing the entrance east or southeast. This positioning protects the nest from harsh weather and keeps the interior cooler.
Shelter from Elements: Choose a location that offers some natural protection from wind, rain, and excessive heat. Placing the birdhouse near trees or shrubs can provide additional shelter, but ensure it’s not too close to dense foliage where predators could hide.
Open Spaces vs. Dense Cover: Open areas like fields or meadows are ideal for species like bluebirds, swallows, and wrens, which prefer less dense surroundings. On the other hand, chickadees and nuthatches may prefer more wooded or partially wooded areas. Avoid placing birdhouses directly in dense woods where they might be harder for birds to find.
Safe Distance from Feeders and Birdbaths: Place the birdhouse at least 10 to 20 feet away from bird feeders or birdbaths. This reduces the risk of disturbance from other birds and minimizes the chances of attracting predators to the nest.
Predator Protection: Mount the birdhouse on a pole with a baffle to prevent predators like raccoons, cats, or snakes from accessing it. If attaching it to a tree, ensure it’s high enough and away from branches that predators could use to reach the house.
Privacy and Low Traffic: Birds prefer quiet, undisturbed areas to nest. Place the birdhouse in a spot that is away from high-traffic areas, both human and animal. This reduces stress for the birds and increases the chances of successful nesting.
Avoidance of Pesticide Use: Ensure that the birdhouse is placed in an area where pesticides are not used, as these chemicals can be harmful to birds and their young.
Multiple Birdhouses: If you are placing multiple birdhouses, space them appropriately based on species’ territorial needs. Some species, like bluebirds, are territorial and require about 100-300 feet of space between houses to avoid conflicts.

What Birds Will House In A Birdhouse in e.g. Istanbul?

In a city garden in Istanbul for instance, you can expect to attract a variety of bird species, many of which have adapted well to urban environments.

Some of the most common birds you might encounter include:

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus): One of the most ubiquitous urban birds worldwide, house sparrows are small, social birds that thrive in cities. They are often seen in gardens, parks, and around buildings.
Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto): These medium-sized doves are common in urban areas across Europe and Asia. They have a distinctive cooing call and are often found perched on wires, rooftops, or in trees.
Common Blackbird (Turdus merula): A familiar sight in gardens and parks, the common blackbird is known for its melodious song. Males are black with a bright yellow beak, while females are brownish.
European Robin (Erithacus rubecula): The robin is a small bird with a distinctive red-orange breast. It is a frequent visitor to gardens, where it can be seen hopping around in search of insects.
Great Tit (Parus major): This colorful, small bird is often seen flitting around trees and shrubs. Great tits have a black head, white cheeks, and a yellow body, and they are known for their varied and complex songs.
Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus): Another small, colorful bird, the blue tit has a bright blue cap, white face, and yellow body. It is commonly seen in gardens and often visits bird feeders.
Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica): Magpies are large, black-and-white birds with a long tail. They are highly intelligent and often seen in pairs or small groups in urban areas.
Common Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita): A small, olive-brown warbler, the chiffchaff is often heard before it is seen, with its distinctive “chiff-chaff” song. It can be found in gardens with dense vegetation.
Common Swift (Apus apus): During the summer months, swifts are often seen flying high above urban areas, including Istanbul. They are fast-flying birds with long, curved wings and are often heard making loud, piercing calls.
Hooded Crow (Corvus cornix): Hooded crows are large, gray and black birds that are common in urban areas. They are highly adaptable and often seen scavenging in parks and streets.
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris): Starlings are medium-sized, dark-colored birds with a glossy, iridescent sheen. They are social birds and often seen in large flocks, especially in winter.
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica): During the breeding season, barn swallows are commonly seen in urban areas, darting around in search of insects. They have a distinctive forked tail and a reddish-brown throat.

What Resources Should You Provide for Birds in a City?

To attract and support birds in your city garden, you should provide a variety of resources that cater to their needs for food, water, shelter, and nesting. Here’s what you can do:

1. Food Sources

Native Plants: Plant a variety of native flowers, shrubs, and trees that produce seeds, berries, and nectar. Native plants are particularly important because they support local insect populations, which are a primary food source for many birds.
Bird Feeders: Offer bird feeders with different types of seeds, such as sunflower seeds, millet, and nyjer, to attract a variety of birds. Suet feeders are also great, especially during colder months, as they provide high-energy food.
Fruit and Berry Plants: Include plants like elderberry, holly, and hawthorn that produce berries birds can eat. Fruit trees like apple and cherry can also be appealing.
Insect-Friendly Environment: Avoid using pesticides and herbicides, as they can kill the insects that many birds rely on for food. Instead, encourage a healthy insect population by planting a diverse range of plants and allowing some parts of your garden to remain slightly wild.

2. Water Sources

Birdbaths: Provide a clean birdbath with fresh water for drinking and bathing. Ensure the water is shallow (no more than 2-3 inches deep) and place it in a location where birds feel safe from predators. Consider adding a small fountain or dripper, as the sound of moving water can attract birds.
Water Features: Small ponds or water features can also attract birds, especially if they have gently sloping sides where birds can easily access the water.

3. Shelter

Trees and Shrubs: Plant a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs to offer year-round cover and nesting sites. Dense shrubs like holly or juniper provide excellent hiding places from predators and harsh weather.
Climbing Plants: Vines like ivy or clematis can provide additional cover on walls or trellises and offer potential nesting sites.

4. Nesting Sites

Birdhouses: Install birdhouses tailored to the species you want to attract. Ensure they are placed at the correct height, with appropriate entrance hole sizes, and in sheltered locations. Clean the birdhouses annually to keep them safe and inviting.
Natural Nesting Materials: Provide natural materials like twigs, leaves, and grass clippings that birds can use to build their nests. You can also hang small bundles of nesting materials, such as untreated wool or cotton, from trees.

5. Protection from Predators

Safe Placement of Feeders and Birdhouses: Position bird feeders and houses away from areas where predators, like cats, might lurk. Use baffles on poles to prevent climbing predators from reaching birdhouses.
Minimize Window Collisions: To prevent birds from flying into windows, place feeders either very close to or far away from windows, use window decals, or apply films that make the glass more visible to birds.

6. Garden Maintenance

Leave Some Areas Natural: Allow some parts of your garden to remain undisturbed, with leaf litter and dead wood. These areas provide habitat for insects, which in turn attract insect-eating birds.
Avoid Pesticides and Chemicals: Reduce or eliminate the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. These can poison birds directly or reduce their food sources.

7. Seasonal Considerations

Winter Support: In winter, when natural food sources are scarce, keep feeders stocked and provide water. Consider planting evergreens, which offer shelter during cold months.
Migration: During migration periods, provide food and water to help birds refuel. Temporary shelters, like brush piles, can give them a resting spot.

When you provide for birds on a flat terrace or balcony, this will work perfectly even in an urban setting like Istanbul.

1. Food Sources

Bird Feeders: Use a variety of bird feeders to attract different species. Suction-cup feeders can be attached to windows, and hanging feeders can be suspended from railings or pergolas. Fill them with seeds, nuts, suet, and other bird-friendly foods like mealworms.
Potted Plants: Grow plants that produce seeds or berries that birds can eat. Consider small fruit-bearing plants or herbs like basil and mint, which can attract insects for insectivorous birds. Sunflowers, nasturtiums, and marigolds are also great choices for attracting birds.
Window Boxes and Planters: Install window boxes or planters with native flowering plants that attract insects and provide nectar. This will create a miniature habitat that’s inviting to birds.

2. Water Sources

Birdbath: Provide a shallow birdbath with fresh water for drinking and bathing. Make sure it’s no more than 2-3 inches deep. If space is limited, you can use a small, shallow dish or a hanging birdbath. Consider adding a few stones to give birds a perch.
Water Fountain: A small tabletop water fountain can be a great addition, as the sound of moving water can attract birds and provide a constant water source.

3. Shelter and Cover

Potted Shrubs and Tall Plants: Use potted shrubs or small trees to provide cover. Plants like boxwood, rosemary, or small evergreens can create a sense of security for birds.
Climbing Plants: Grow climbing plants like ivy or clematis along walls or trellises. These can offer additional cover and potential nesting sites.
Miniature Hedge or Privacy Screen: Create a green screen using tall potted plants or a bamboo privacy screen draped with vines. This provides a sheltered area where birds feel safe.

4. Nesting Sites

Hanging Birdhouses: Install small birdhouses designed for species that can adapt to urban environments, like sparrows or tits. Hang them securely from railings or attach them to walls. Ensure they’re protected from harsh weather and predators.
Nesting Materials: Leave out small bundles of natural materials like dried grass, small twigs, or soft wool in a mesh bag. Birds might use these materials to build nests on your terrace or nearby.

5. Safety Measures

Protection from Predators: If you have cats or other pets, make sure they can’t access the bird-friendly areas of your terrace. Use railings and barriers to keep them away from feeders and birdbaths.
Window Collision Prevention: Apply bird-safe window decals or screens to prevent birds from flying into windows. This is especially important in urban areas where reflective glass can confuse birds.

6. Seasonal Considerations

Winter Care: In colder months, ensure that feeders are well-stocked and that water sources don’t freeze. Provide extra food like suet or high-fat seeds to help birds maintain energy.
Summer Shade: In hot weather, place birdbaths and feeders in shaded areas to keep the water cool and the food fresh.

7. Compact Vertical Gardens

Green Walls or Vertical Planters: Install a vertical garden with a variety of plants to create a layered habitat. This can attract insects and provide a rich food source for birds while maximizing space.

8. Patience and Observation

Allow Time for Discovery: Birds may take a little while to discover your terrace, especially in an urban setting. Be patient, and over time, they will likely begin to visit regularly.
Keep Your Distance: To avoid startling the birds, observe them from inside your home or from a distance. Gradually, they’ll become more comfortable with your presence.

Contributing to the Health and Diversity of Your Urban Environment

By transforming your terrace or garden into a bird-friendly haven, you’re not just enhancing your space—you’re contributing to the health and diversity of your urban environment. The food, water, shelter, and nesting sites you provide, create a vital sanctuary for birds amidst the bustling cityscape of for instance Istanbul.

Whether you’re greeted by the cheerful chirps of sparrows or the elegant flight of swallows, the presence of these birds will bring a touch of nature to your everyday life. Embrace the joy of urban birdwatching and take pride in knowing that your efforts are making a difference, one winged visitor at a time.