Mounting a Birdhouse

Mounting a birdhouse is fun and takes little time. And you don't need a specific reason to mount a birdhouse, just the desire to decorate your yard and have some fun doing it.

Mounting a birdhouse is an activity that almost anyone can enjoy. It's an affordable and enjoyable project for kids and adults. Once you have obtained your birdhouse, the process is simple and requires little skill.

Mounting a birdhouse can be done anywhere, and for different reasons.

• providing a mother bird a place to lay her eggs
• providing shelter and warmth during winter
• helping a particular avian species that is endangered
• teaching kids the importance of wildlife and how they can help
• decoration

The sight of colorful backyard decorations is always nice to see, and is enough to bring enjoyment to any homeowner. But for those homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts who are a bit more serious about helping avian populations, a functional birdhouse placed in the right location will increase the chances of a mother bird choosing it for her nesting place. And if she is a migrating bird, she just might come back next year, or even stay for the winter.

Side Mount

Height - Side mounted birdhouses should be mounted from 5 to 30 feet above the ground on the sides of buildings, fence rails, posts, or trees, depending on the species.
Spacings - Multiple birdhouses can be placed at an interval of no less than 25 feet apart. However, increased spacings may be necessary for aggressive species to nest in close proximity of each other. The process of mounting an open-face side mount model can be done easily by simply placing the platform up against the vertical structure of your choice, and then placing the nails into the holes.
Location - Choose a location that will get the attention of your favorite species. Proper placement will make the structure more inviting to a soon-to-be mother bird, and soon you might be listening to the cheerful sounds of baby birds. Try to place the front entrance away from direct sunlight. Placing it away from a rising or setting sun will reduce heat.
Advantages - Our side mount model is always easy to secure, and it requires no assembly. They are also easy to clean, and open-face styles are especially easy to clean and prepare. Since any birdhouse needs periodic cleaning, you will need easy access to it in order to prepare it for the next season. It should be mounted at a height that is accessible to you.

Pole Mount

Height - Choose a pole that is 5-7' above ground. Our pole mounted models are easy to use and require no assembly. Simply slide the pole mount extension into a pole with a 1" diameter. This model comes ready to mount right out of the box.
Location - Choose a location that will get the attention of your favorite species.
Advantages - A pole mounted bird structure can swivel 360°, making it possible to face in any desired direction.

Hanging

Height - Basically, there are no standard guidelines as far as height for hanging a birdhouse. Since it's a popular choice, it's typically the mounting option chosen for reasons of decoration only, as birds do not often like structures that hang. The main reason is because birds do not sense safety in a structure that is suspended above ground from a rope or chain. However, there are birds that will build a nest in a bird structure that hangs, such as a wren.
Advantages - Hanging structures are often painted with bright cheerful colors with animated graphics. They look nice as decorations and make great gifts.

Do some research first before purchasing a hanging birdhouse. Learning about your local habitat will help you better understand what species in your area are likely to choose a hanging structure to live in. There are not many species that will enter into a structure that hangs. However, there are a few that will, such as a wren, and you may just have a few in your neighborhood.

Timing

Functional birdhouses are best mounted before the breeding season begins. This should be during late summer or early fall to give birds plenty of time to locate them. Time will allow the houses to be weathered to some degree by spring. A properly mounted bird house will help our avian friends to survive and stay strong. Your birdhouse might be something that's not very attractive, but that doesn't mean that it won't attract a bird, especially if it's mounted the right way. Read about how you can help the environment by mounting a bird house»