Bird box dilema

[actionfinch]

I put up A bird box just before the snow hit last year , in readiness for this years birds... i asked for advice , which was greatly recieved, The only thing is, i put it up in a place a tad unsuitable. I have noticed that the sun shines on it for a good few hours of the day.
I also noticed some bird droppings on the windowsill below the box, so i take it some bird has taken it as roost or even eyeing it up for this years home.
I know sometimes its unlikely that you get birds the first time you put up a box, but im unsure whether to leave it up or take it down. or .

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by actionfinch

I put up A bird box just before the snow hit last year , in readiness for this years birds... i asked for advice , which was greatly recieved, The only thing is, i put it up in a place a tad unsuitable. I have noticed that the sun shines on it for a good few hours of the day.
I also noticed some bird droppings on the windowsill below the box, so i take it some bird has taken it as roost or even eyeing it up for this years home.
I know sometimes its unlikely that you get birds the first time you put up a box, but im unsure whether to leave it up or take it down. or .

I would move it on a mild dip in the weather before the spring..

[actionfinch]

Thats what i was affraid of....I know its only one reply , but i have know where else to put it........
thanks any way.....

[rossy]

id leave it , and come spring , you just might have a pair of tits in, as you dont have anywhere else suitable, rossy.

[Farplace]

If they are roosting in it, it can't be too bad. Is there any way you can shade the box if you left it where it is?

[camo]

I am sorry to poor cold water on your enthusiasm but a badly placed box does more harm than good, if the box is in full sun in June the fledglings will cook and die. In winter the sun will be weak and not an issue as the birds will enjoy what warmth there is when they use the box for shelter. If the box is not available the birds are likely to find an alternative location more suitable spot to nest in. If you cannot guarantee some shade and do not have a suitable spot i would suggest you move the box to a neighbours garden or find a quiet place in a park or the countryside where you can know you have done some good. You will not thank anyone if they go on and breed and you are left with a box full of dead chicks, sorry!

On a positive note with no suitable place to site a box the birds are still reliant in you for the food you can place.

[C J Smallman]

Dont forget the sun will be higher in the sky than it is during the winter so maybe it will be ok

The only time I had a nest box it was a twin hole mock tudor thing which was sited on top of a old metal dustbin with its lid inverted at the top of the garden. For a couple of years we had bluetits nesting and rearing young no problems.

Do have to add the box / house was facing north but that was not through design

Chris.

[Dogghound]

What direction is it facing? A couple of hours sun especially if its early morning or late afternoon isnt a problem, prolonged direct summer sunlight is.

[Michelleatiisis]

Any chance it will be shaded from the sun once the trees are in bloom?

[actionfinch]

Some intresting replies...
ok ...Just a bit on the cooking subject , sorry to use the term, but even if i placed it elsewhere, which i cant, surely the heat would do the same thing.
I do have a wooded area next to my house ,and the sun does come up and over them in the morning and for a couple of hours does fill the garden then goes over the house and the box would be in shade then.
The box / rear of the house is facing south .
I had noticed last year blue tits nesting in the end house gutter on the back of the house with no problems....

what about some kind of reflective material ( what i dont know ) to put on the front..
I sound desperate but , i have put it up on the rear of the house a nice height for them and right ontop of food.Would be nice to help do my bit....
thanks again for the replies..