Have you thought of building a roosting box for your feathered friends to use during winter? A winter roosting box is simply a sheltered place for a number of birds to gather in order to get away from inclement weather. A roosting box will usually have a hole near the bottom in order to retain as much heat as possible (heat rises and would escape out a hole located at the top). Shelves or perches inside allow the birds to take advantage of all the space in the roosting box. In contrast, a nesting box is usually a place for a pair of birds to raise their young, while the roosting box can house many different birds at once. A nesting box is less likely to be used as a roosting box and vice versa.
Birds that use a nesting box in the summer will also use roosting boxes in the winter. Some of these birds include: chickadees, wrens, nuthatches, titmice, and woodpeckers. If you’re expecting smaller birds, be sure to include perches inside. As for the opening, a 1-1/4 inch hole will suffice. If you are expecting woodpeckers, a larger 1-1/2 inch hole will be needed. If you expect woodpeckers, you might cut a few grooves in the inside surfaces so that they can cling. This should be done away from the perches and/or shelves.
A winter roost can be hung in a tree or on a pole. A sheltered location is preferred, especially away from prevailing winds. Locating the winter roost in view of a nearby window will allow you to enjoy the sight of birds leaving in the morning and returning in the evening. The box should be hung at a height of about 12 feet.
Here’s a website with a few styles and designs for you to check out:
www.birdfeedersonly.com/winter-bird-roosts-perch
Your feathered friends will enjoy finding the warm sheltered place you have provided for them; which will allow them to wait out the cold, wet and windy winter weather.
The above is from Harry Johnson and The Wildbird & Hummingbird Newsletter.
