Audubon Birdhouse Book, Revised and Updated: Building, Placing, and Maintaining Great Homes for Great Birds

Audubon Birdhouse Book, Revised and Updated: Building, Placing, and Maintaining Great Homes for Great Birds

Barn Owl

Barn Owls are among the most widespread of all land birds, but they are nonetheless declining over much of North America, particularly in the Midwest. Key factors include loss of nesting sites (such as large, hollow trees and old barns) and development of agricultural fields and grasslands where these owls hunt. Rodenticides kill Barn Owls indirectly, since rodents are their main food. Because they fly near the ground when hunting, these owls are especially susceptible to vehicle collisions.

Say’s Phoebe

Eastern Phoebes once nested along stream-bank cliffs and overhangs, but these adaptable birds now usually nest on porches, under house eaves and bridges, on barns and sheds, and even in active doorways. Say’s Phoebes have also benefited from nesting in and around humanmade structures and have a wide breeding range. Because nesting sites are plentiful, phoebe populations are stable in most areas.

Great Blue Heron

In the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, Great Blue Herons were slaughtered for their showy plumes, which were used to adorn women’s hats and clothes. Populations were drastically reduced but subsequently recovered following protective legislation. Today, the heron population is again declining, particularly where pesticides, mercury, and other pollutants have contaminated the herons’ wetland feeding areas. Great Blue Herons are also vulnerable to habitat loss and human disturbances that disrupt nesting colonies, including vehicle traffic, logging, and motorboats.

BIRDS IN BOXES: GREAT NEST BOXES FOR GREAT BIRDS

XBOX BLUEBIRD NEST BOX DESIGNED BY DAN SPARKS AND THE X-MEN, PHOTOS AND BUILD BY CHRIS WILLETT

BARRED OWL NEST BOX DESIGNED BY RICHARD O. BIERREGAARD, PHOTOS AND BUILD BY CHRIS WILLETT

DON “THE DUCKMAN’S” WOOD DUCK NEST BOX DESIGNED BY DON HELMEKE, PHOTOS AND BUILD BY CHRIS WILLETT