skip to main content

Wildlife Garden

First birds to new development? (Central PA)

20 years ago

I'd like to make a bird nesting box for a friend who lives in a new development next to a cornfield. I'd like early success and am wondering what type of birds are likely to move into the area first. Any suggestions?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

bulldinkie
20 years ago
I live s. central Pa I Have robins,bluebirds,sparrows,cardinals,snowbirds,catbirds already
sam_md
20 years ago
The first suggestion is to make the hole 1 1/2'. That way starlings cannot get in. Place the box in an open area away from trees and vines. Do not paint the box. Several cavity nesters are seeking out boxes such as bluebirds, titmice, tree swallows, chicadees. These are all highly desirable species, whether or not they will be found in a new development I cannot say. Above all else, be sure your friend educates him/herself about monitoring boxes. Each species has unique nesting materials. Unkept, trashy nests with debris filled to the top will probably be house sparrows which should be avoided at all costs. Once HOSP have invaded you will not get anything else. If your friend cannot monitor the box properly I would get him/her something else. Check out bluebird forum.
Related Professionals
Indianapolis Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Shreveport Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Carson City Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Coeur d'Alene Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Duluth Landscape Contractors · Kearney Landscape Contractors · Cheyenne Landscape Contractors · Amherstburg Landscape Contractors · Springfield General Contractors · Winston-Salem General Contractors · Enfield General Contractors · Beatrice General Contractors · Mansfield General Contractors · Chico General Contractors · Hobbs General Contractors

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: Northern Cardinals in the Snow, and Other Red Birds

By Habitat Network

Brilliant crimson feathers make these friends stand out in a crowd

COMMUNITY Get a Bird's-Eye View of America's Housing Patterns

See the big picture of how suburban developments are changing the country's landscape, with aerial photos and ideas for the future

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: Go Owling in October

By Habitat Network

These stealthy nocturnal hunters fill North American skies with their quiet wings and distinct calls

GARDENING FOR BIRDS Backyard Birds: Those Nutty Nuthatches

By Habitat Network

The North American songbirds, which often perch upside down, make themselves known in the winter landscape

GARDENING GUIDES Simple Pleasures: Savor the First Spring Day in the Garden

By Laura Gaskill

How will you answer the call of the garden once the birds are chirping, the bulbs are blooming and the air is inviting?

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: Invite Entertaining Hummingbirds Into Your Garden

By Habitat Network

Hummingbirds — unique to the Americas — zip through open landscapes seasonally or year-round. Here’s how to attract them

GARDENING GUIDES 8 Native Shrubs for Year-Round Bird Feeding

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

It’s not just about berries. These plants provide insects for birds and seasonal interest for gardeners

GARDENING FOR BIRDS Wild Birds Transform a Woman’s Garden and Life

By Mary Jo Bowling

How Sharon Sorenson created a wildlife haven and became the Bird Lady of Southern Indiana

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: Create a Home for American Kestrels

By Habitat Network

These copper-colored birds of prey can be found throughout North and South America and often find habitats near human activity

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: Orioles Return After Spending Winter in the Tropics

By Habitat Network

These colorful songbirds prefer woodlands and forest edges, but they’ll visit yards with fruit-producing trees and shrubs

Sponsored