What direction should a bird house face?
My first response for the placement of a bird house was the same advice I give in the
placement of bird feeders
; put the
houses
where you can view them. After years of customer feedback I still give that advice but
add
that if possible the entrance hole should face east or southeast for the most success.
In Mid-Michigan
Eastern Bluebirds
like to nest in fields, meadows, orchards, farm fields, large lawns, and golf courses. Their houses should be mounted on birdhouse pole or a fence post approximately five feet above the ground. If possible, face the house away from prevailing winds and facing towards a tree or shrub and 100 feet from the house. Trees and shrubs provide a perching area for the bluebirds to hunt bugs and a landing spot for the young bluebirds when they first leave the house. Eastern Bluebird
houses
should be spaced at least 100 to 150 yards apart.
I did a little investigating and found a report to back up our customers' theory that birds have a preference in the direction of their house. Cornell Lab of Ornithology has collected research by citizen scientists across the U.S. to reveal that the Eastern Bluebirds will nest in a bird house that faces in any direction. In the northern states like Michigan, however, the birds prefer the early morning sun coming in the front of the house as it faces the east.
Cornell is still collecting information on nesting. Anyone can monitor nests - it's a rewarding way to spend time outdoors and participate in science. To learn more go to
NestWatch
a nest-monitoring project developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in collaboration with the
Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center
, and funded by the
National Science Foundation
.
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Sources:
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