Swift/swallow/house Martin nest box

deise08

This is something I should have done well before now, but I'm finally going to do it.

I live in a two bed l, two story terraced house. Front is south facing and back is north facing..

Is it possible to erect a nest box on either?
Which bird would benefit most or could I accommodate all three? (Or any?)
Could I put up multiple boxes and how far apart?
Where do people buy theirs when they do it?

Thanks for any answers.

tricky D

You will only get Martins under the eaves and maybe swallows in an accessible shed. Swifts nest very high.

Martins nest facing north and in micro-colonies so will only nest of there are at least a handful of suitable eaves spread over nearby houses. It is usually one nest per eave but are known to have more on occasion.

Not sure about boxes, ours always managed fine with no help bar deterring gulls. The only thing I ever thought of was perhaps banging in a nail or two for supporting the base of the nest.

Seth Brundle

I bought one of these swift nest boxes (although we didn't get any nesting last year (it's first year)): https://www.swift-conservation.org/Shopping%21.htm
It seems to be of good quality and is easily fitted.
You really should use the CD to get them interested as they fly by (we didn't use ours).

It needs to be up high - high enough to let them swoop out and away (>= 5m). It also needs to be out of direct sunlight.

Stigura

Deise08; Painting that north face white is the best thing ye can do. I don't know why, but, house martins seem fixated on white walls.

Anyway; What's wrong with my starlings?! :P