If you’re lucky enough to have a garden, you may be wondering how to get wild birds like blue tits to nest in it. By following these simple tips, you can create a cozy home for blue tits and help them thrive!
How I Attracted Wild Birds Into My Garden
I have always enjoyed watching the birds that visit my garden, but this year I was blessed with the opportunity to see them up close as they nested in one of my bushes. It was a wonderful experience to see the parents feed their chicks and watch them grow day by day. I am now more determined than ever to encourage wild birds to visit my garden and make it a haven for them.
There are several things you can do to encourage wild birds to visit your garden.
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When Do Wild Birds Prepare a Nesting Box?
Wild birds will often prepare a nesting box prior to the breeding season. This is to ensure that there is a suitable place for them to lay their eggs and raise their young. The type of bird will determine the time of year that they start to build their nest.
For example, sparrows will typically start to build their nests in late winter or early spring, while robins will usually start building theirs in late spring or early summer.
Some birds, such as bluebirds, may even start preparing their nests several months before the breeding season begins. Regardless of when they start building their nest, it is important that the nesting box is ready before the eggs are laid.
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Where Do Blue Tits Build Nests?
Blue tits are small, insectivorous birds that are found throughout Europe and Asia. One of the most distinctive features of blue tits is their preferences for nests. Unlike many other bird species, blue tits prefer to nest in cavities in either tree trunks or buildings. They look out for a very small opening that allows them to enter but keeps out larger birds and other animals.
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In some cases, blue tits will even block the entrance to their nest with leaves or other debris to further deter predators.
While the reasons for this preference are not fully understood, it is thought that nesting in cavities provides blue tits with greater shelter and protection from the elements.
What Do They Make Their Nests With?
The materials that blue tits use to build their nests vary depending on what is available to them. However, they typically prefer to use soft, natural materials such as moss, lichen, and grass. In some cases, they may also use feathers or hair.
Blue tits will often line their nests with material that smells like citrus fruit. This is thought to deter predators, as the smell of citrus is known to repel many animals.
How Many Eggs Do Blue Tits Lay?
The number of eggs that blue tits lay varies depending on the time of year and the availability of food. However, they typically lay between 6 and 12 eggs at a time.
The eggs are a pale blue color with brown speckles and are typically incubated for around two weeks. Once the chicks hatch, they are born naked and blind. The parents will care for them until they are old enough to fend for themselves, which is usually around four weeks.
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When Do the Baby Birds Leave the Nest?
The baby birds will typically leave the nest around two weeks after they hatch. However, they will remain close to their parents for several weeks as they learn to fend for themselves.
What Else Can You Do To Attract Blue Tits To Your Garden?
In addition to providing a nesting box, there are several other things you can do to encourage blue tits to visit your garden.
Plenty of Food
One of the best things you can do is to provide them with a consistent food source. This can be in the form of bird feeders filled with seeds or insects, or even just a bowl of water.
Native Trees
You can also plant native trees and shrubs that produce berries or fruits that blue tits enjoy. Some of the most popular plants include hawthorn, Rowan, and holly.
Clean and Fresh Water
It is also important to provide clean and fresh water for the birds to drink and bathe in. A bird bath or small pond is a great way to do this.
Tray and House Feeders
You can also purchase tray and house feeders, which are specifically designed to attract blue tits. These feeders typically contain a variety of seeds, nuts, and insects that blue tits enjoy.
Good Environment
Finally, you can try to create a “wildlife-friendly” environment in your garden by avoiding the use of pesticides and herbicides. This will create a more hospitable environment for blue tits and other wild animals.
Encouraging Blue Tits to Visit Your Garden
By following the above tips, you can encourage blue tits to visit your garden and make it a haven for them. By providing them with a nesting box, food, and a safe place to raise their young, you can help these beautiful birds thrive.
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