Nesting Box

The teddy bears have bought a new nesting box for the birds in their garden to use. They are hoping that some bluetits might make it their home. Usually birds start to look for a new home in the Autumn, but bluetits don't normally start searching until February to March so now is just the right time.

Charlie, in his role of Construction Manager (after all he does have the hi-vis jacket!), was in charge of choosing the position and fixing the box in place in the garden. He chose a nice open area on the garden fence about one metre off the ground where it was easy for the birds to fly in and out, but they would be away from any disturbances from larger birds or cats. He also had to bear in mind that when the bears were out gardening or playing games, they wouldn't be too near to the nesting box.

The nesting box will face West which means that it should stay nice and warm throughout the year, but not too warm as it could be if it was facing South into direct sunshine all the time. It has a sloping roof to direct the rain away from the hole in the front of the box.

First, Charlie found the correct size of woodscrew that would fit through the hole at the back of the box and be long enough to screw into the wooden fence. With his screwdriver, he screwed the screw firmly into the fence, leaving just enough protruding to hang the box on.

Then he asked for volunteers to lift the box onto the screw whilst he stood back to make sure it was hanging straight. Everyone's paws were up in the air instantly as they all wanted to help, but Richard and Elizabeth put their paws up just before everyone else. So they lifted the box onto the screw and moved it slightly to the left or the right, according to Charlie's instructions, until it was hanging perfectly straight.

Now all they have to do is keep an eye out for any potential home-makers who may want to live there. They will let you know if any birds show any interest. However, what may put the birds off is James, who was found peering into the hole in the box two minutes later! "There won't be any birds in there yet, James!" laughed Charlie. "You'll have to give the birds a chance to get used to the box and check it out for themselves! You'll scare them if they do decide to live there and see your big eye at their window!" All the bears chuckled, including James, who promised not to peep again.

You could try putting up a nesting box in your garden too - the more the merrier for the birds. Check out the nesting box tips from the Cheshire Wildlife Trust here, or, if you want to make your own box (which is a bit difficult for bears with paws) log on to their website at Cheshire Wildlife Trust.