Where should I put a Jackdaw box?

[Gaina]

We recently had a cap put on the chimney to stop the Jackdaws nesting in there again next spring (I wasn't keen on it because I know their nest sites are diminishing until I read an article by the RSPB recommending this due to the number of birds that have become trapped and died in chimney's recently). I am very fond of 'Mr and Mrs Jackdaw' and would like to provide them with an alternative nest site in the garden as I gather from what I've read that the nest site plays a very important role in re-affirming their bonds, as they go back to visit it.

So, my question is: Where do I put the box? What height does it need to be at? We have lots of conifers at the top of the garden if that information helps.


Thanks

[ron1863]

Jackdaws usually nest in colonies so you should put up several boxes. I would think they would need to be fairly high up on a wall.

[Gaina]

Thank you Ron .

Do you think the surrounding chimneys with nesting pairs are considered 'colonies'? I would say their are about 4 or 5 pairs nesting with my various neighbours so do you think the one box would be a suitable 'straight swop' for the chimney?

[Tracey.A]

At my reserve I have two nest boxes that are used year in and year out by Jackdaws. One of the boxes is a Kestrel box and the other is an owl box, so they seem to like quite a large box to nest in, they also like the box to be sited fairly high as Ron said. The Jackdaws at my reserve are quite fierce at seeing off predators when they have eggs or young and will mob any Buzzards that wander into their territory.

If you like planting seedlings in the veg plot, rest assure they will be watching and will swoop down when the coast is clear and gobble them up if it's something they like. My mother was driven bonkers by this happening to her, but netting helps stop this from happening. Mum scowls every time she sees one in her garden, but me, I just have to smile! I find their antics really amusing to watch

Tracey

[Hedge Witch]

Hi Gaina, I read they need a large nest box with 150mm hole at a height at least 5m above ground – as high as possible. They require unobstructed access (the side of the house might suit ? but choose a side that faces away from the prevailing wind). I read that they also like to nest in colonies, but I'm guessing your two have broken that rule

Hedge

[Gaina]

Thank you Tracey and HedgeWitch

I was wondering if the 'colony' did still exist but was choosing chimney's over trees like the other Jackdaws that live on the hill behind our house.

We have a cunning plan to keep birds off the plants - my mum gives them such gourmet treats on the bird table that all they want to do is sleep after they've polished that lot off!

[nightshade]

Originally Posted by Gaina

We recently had a cap put on the chimney to stop the Jackdaws nesting in there again next spring (I wasn't keen on it because I know their nest sites are diminishing until I read an article by the RSPB recommending this due to the number of birds that have become trapped and died in chimney's recently). I am very fond of 'Mr and Mrs Jackdaw' and would like to provide them with an alternative nest site in the garden as I gather from what I've read that the nest site plays a very important role in re-affirming their bonds, as they go back to visit it.

So, my question is: Where do I put the box? What height does it need to be at? We have lots of conifers at the top of the garden if that information helps.


Thanks

Hi Gaina, my neighbour has two pairs of Jackdaws in the soffits on the South East corners of the Gable end.They have been nesting there for years, and make greeting noises when I go out to feed the chickens.
The males sit on my bat-box on the peak of my gable opposite their nests, they love to bathe in the full flow of water to my pond.
regards nightshade