How to Help Birds Make Nests

Birds build nests from early spring through the summer in which to lay their eggs. Finding materials to construct a nest can be a time-consuming process -- you can help.

Collect construction material that birds use to build nests:

-Cotton Batting
-Cut Dried Grass
-Hair (Pet or Human)
-Fabric Strips
-Feathers
-Short Sticks
-String
-Yarn
-Horse Mane & Tail Combings

A few hints to help make life easier for the nesting birds. The string, yarn and fabric strips need to be less than 6" in total length -- for ease of weaving. Do not cut dryer fabric softener sheets into strips because the softener may be harmful. Avoid offering lint from the dryer, while soft to the touch it may fall apart in the rain. Never use fishing line.

Place the construction materials in a suet basket or plastic mesh bag so they are easily accessible but will not blow away. Hang your nesting materials on a fence or on a tree branch, near a bird house.

Maintain a muddy spot in your yard or garden for barn swallows. They will use the mud to construct their nests not far away.

Place a feeder and birdbath close to an active bird house -- it's like a corner store for the family. Nesting parents always need a quality food source and this will help assure a strong start.

For Birds Sake

Many bird species live and raise their young in tree cavities. Other species weave nests in tree branches ,in reeds and bushes. However, when the cavity-nesters are unable to find natural nesting locations, it is these species that readily adopt man-made bird houses, also known as nest boxes.

Over the past one hundred years land development and harvesting of forests have displaced prime breeding habitats for cavity nesters. Bird houses that we put up can help in maintaining populations of many birds at healthy levels. A single wooden bird house can have a long life -- ten years is ordinary, and such a house may fledge 50 birds during that time. Providing a place for birds to raise their young rounds out a bird-friendly habitat that provides water, food and shelter. It is also gratifying to witness the courtship, nesting and fledging of birds, a crucial part of their life cycle.