!: Bird Houses - How To Get Birds To Nest In Yours

Get out the lemonade and bug zapper because summer is right around the corner. Taking time during those hot days and warm summer nights to relax and enjoy life is a must in today's hectic hustle and bustle. If you're a bird lover that may mean coming home, sitting on your porch overlooking your lush green garden and watching the birds frolic and play. Many of us are the same and we've placed bird houses in our gardens to try and coax a feathered family to take up residence but to no avail. There are some simple things that will keep a bird from nesting in your bird house. They may seem simple but many of us overlook these key elements.

First, in order for birds to make your garden a home they'll need a steady supply of water. This could be in the form of a pond, stream or as simple as putting a bird bath in the garden. Keep the bird bath water fresh or they may want to move out. Birds will nest where water is abundant and not too far away.

Second, in order to better your odds you can supply them with a food source near the bird house as this will keep them coming back and eventually take home in your offering. Make sure the food source is not able to be accessed by squirrels, mice or other animals that may eat the food and scare the little ones. There are many vendors that sell squirrel proof bird feeders for your garden and they work quite well.

Third and most important, try to place the bird house in an area where there is very little human traffic and safe from all predators. This is most important because the birds want to feel safe and if the house is hung by a children's play set or by a sidewalk that has people walking by daily then the chances are the birds will not feel safe and move on. Make sure natural predators can't get to the house such as cats, snakes, or any other natural predator you have in your area.

Lastly, face the bird house with the back facing the wind. For instance, if the wind normally comes from the west you'll want to set it up with the entrance facing east. This will allow the birds to stay dry when it rains and allow them to stay warm on those cooler spring nights. If at all possible set the bird house up on the opposite side of your home from the wind direction.

Try these simple tips and you will have great results. Remember birds want to feel safe and secure just like we do. If there's food water and security around, they will gladly move into your garden neighborhood.