The BTO wants to capitalise on a productive breeding year for blue tits in 2004 by asking us to provide the new birds with plenty of places to nest in 2005.
Evidence of the good breeding season for blue tits (
Parus caeruleus) comes from the
BTO's Ringing Scheme. This year's National Nest Box Week runs from the 14th-21st February and we are being asked to ensure that the first year birds do not want for a nesting hole. BTO Nest Record Scheme data shows that the average blue tit brood will consume something in the region of 10,000 invertebrates! Many of these, like caterpillars, which are commonly regarded as pests would be much more damaging in the garden were it not for the attentions of the birds.
Nestboxes of all shapes and sizes can now be purchased from many suppliers but, for the DIY enthusiast, the BTO also publishes the last word on nestbox design and construction:
The BTO Nestbox Guide.
Anon. 2005. Housing Crisis. BTO News release No. 2005/01/03.
