Birdhouses

Only 85 of North America's 650 breeding birds are cavity dwellers. The rest build their nests in trees, shrubs or in or on the ground. Cardinals, for instance, build their nests in dense thicket where they are unlikely to be seen or disturbed. As more space is lost to development, there is a real need to provide suitable housing for our cavity dwelling friends.

These sturdy birdhouses are made of select, kiln-dried pine by Coveside Conservation Products, Inc. and come with easy-to-mount metal hangers. Affordable Housing Putting up several different types of birdhouses in your backyard is one the more responsible and rewarding actions you can take to supplement the dwindling supply of "natural" options for cavity dwelling birds. While birds like chickadees often excavate their own apartments out of the tops of fallen trees trunks, other birds rely primarily on abandoned woodpeckers holes or, increasingly, man for their accommodations. Not surprisingly, the smaller the entrance hole, the more restrictive the birdhouse. In addition, all functional birdhouses should have proper ventilation and drainage and be able to be cleaned out after each fledging. At For the Birds we have a broad selection of houses for discriminating cavity dwellers, among them, chickadees, Nuthatches, Tufted Titmice, wrens, woodpeckers, and Bluebirds, and larger birds such as Screech Owls, Kestrels, Wood Ducks and Flickers. Drop by the store and we'll advise you on which houses to buy and how to erect them properly in your yard. Got Bluebirds? Perhaps. Perhaps not. In winter you may see them gorging in your berry-laden cherry or crab apple trees; however, it takes a field or open space of at least an acre for Bluebirds to nest in summer. If you qualify, putting up two or more houses with 1 1/2" openings may attract these most prized of birds. We also have several sparrow-resistant houses for the truly dedicated Bluebird landlord. Chickadee-dee-dee Chickadees and wrens squeeze nicely through an opening 1 1/8" in diameter, but the dreaded sparrow cannot. In addition, both species enjoy (tolerate?) a birdhouse that is hung and thereby swings in the breeze. Contrary to popular belief, other birds will not. Chickadees and wrens are among the friendliest of birds and will nest in locations quite near your house or barn. Going Batty While bats are among the most beneficial of mammals, they are widely misunderstood. Contrary to popular myth, they do not carry disease or rabies. Natural habitat for bats is becoming increasingly scarce. Putting up a bat house will provide a much needed home for bats who might easily perish without a suitable place to live. Bats eat thousands of insects nightly in warm weather. Why not let them eat yours? Bat condo kit also available.

Purple Martin's Majesty The largest member of the swallow family, the gregarious steel-blue Purple Martin eats only flying insects. Contrary to popular belief, Martins eat few mosquitoes, preferring larger prey such as dragonflies, mayflies, moths and butterflies. While colonies can be found on the Cape, north shore or in the lake country of New Hampshire and Maine, Purple Martins are not found in the Concord area. Who says you can't put up one of these handsome Martin-style houses in your back yard anyway? Screeeeeech! This Screech Owl photo sent to Coveside Conservation Products President, David Drake, by customers Ed and Beth Leuck, dramatically demonstrates what could happen in your backyard. Mounted no more than 15 feet from their kitchen window, a pair of Screech Owls took up residence within 60 days. Our Screech Owl boxes are built to exact specifications and may also accommodate Saw-Whet owls. This house comes complete with wood chips for nesting material.

Kit and kaboodle These birdhouse kits are made of precut, predrilled cedar. The wrenhouse has a peaked roof. The others have sloped roofs. Nails are included. A great do-it-together gift. Swallow Barn This swallow barn isn't for Barn Swallows. Instead, it is the Tree Swallow that will live here communally in a loose colony. Swallows eat insects, including mosquitoes, on the fly. They are an iridescent blue with a bright white underbelly. The Tree Swallow often competes for nest sites with starlings, House Sparrows, House Wrens and Bluebirds. Whoever they may attract, these structure will look super in your yard. Garden Show-stopper This adaptation of an English dovecoat makes an excellent focal point in any garden. Its classic design and round, shingled roof are absolutely unique. As with all Lazy Hill cedar and cypress products, this house will age beautifully! The Lazy Hill Birdhouse has eight separate compartments. It is also available in a feeder model.

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