Know your (bird) neighbors

The first thing to consider when buying a bird house is if your local birds will use a bird house. Some common bird house birds include swallows, chickadees, nuthatches, wrens, bluebirds, starlings and finches. Do a little research to find out if your local bird species will actually use the beautiful home you provide for them.

After you have determined which species of bird will be using the bird house, select a house that is the appropriate size. The hole size is very important. If it is too large, nesting birds could face exposure to predators.

Scope out the real estate

Plan where you want to place your bird house. The opening should face away from the wind and the bird house should be out of reach of cats and other predators. Most birds prefer a warm, sunny space, so do not bury the bird house in heavy shade. The location will help you decide if you want to purchase a hanging bird house or a free standing bird house. Hanging bird houses can be hung from trees or house eaves while free standing bird houses can rest atop a platform, preferably on a skinny pole so cats and squirrels cannot climb up to the bird house.