locating nesting boxes

[jools]

Hi all,
I have quite a lot of birds visiting my garden as I have a bird table and feeding station, which I like to keep topped up. I would like to put up one or two boxes for the tits which visit but my understanding is that you shouldn't put them too close to the feeding areas. Does anyone know how close is close please? And why is this? Is it because the feeding stations attract thugs such as magpies which will target eggs/chicks?
Thanks
Jools

[lynda66]

basically it's cos they don't like too many other birds round their nests, in case of the babies getting eaten, as far away as possible would be best, and they will either use them or they wont, trial and error is probably best, just site them where you can and with luck they will use them.

[jools]

Thanks Lynda, I'll do that and wait and see.
Jools

[smallblueplanet]

General info

Siting a nestbox
This depends on the species the box is intended for.

Boxes for tits, sparrows or starlings should be fixed two to four metres up a tree or a wall.

Unless there are trees or buildings which shade the box during the day, face the box between north and east, thus avoiding strong sunlight and the wettest winds.

Make sure that the birds have a clear flight path to the nest without any clutter directly in front of the entrance.

Tilt the box forward slightly so that any driving rain will hit the roof and bounce clear.

Here's the RSPB advice on where to site bird boxes

The RSPB: Advice: Siting a nestbox

Here's some more websites with more info on nest boxes

Factsheet: Building bird nest boxes

National Nest Box Week

http://www.bbc.co.uk/derby/content/a..._feature.shtml

[jacob marley]

I have one or two nest box's about i also have a bird table with a barn roof on with a nest box each end and the blue tit's use it every year and alway's hatch a full brood they all live together quite happily but only use the box on the north facing end but just put box's in the shade....jacob

[jools]

Thank you very much for this info.
Jools