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Build the Perfect Nestbox

by John Schmoll

Just as supplying food and water attracts some bird species to your yard, the addition of one or more nest boxes (bird houses) will attract other species, too. There are about 50 different birds -- cavity nesters -- that will use man-made nest boxes, if they are available. With the loss of natural cavities, especially in urban areas, it is important to supply artificial nest sites.

January is a good time to start thinking about nest boxes. Many species begin looking for nesting sites in late winter or early spring, including bluebirds, chickadees, titmice and nuthatches...