Placing nest boxes in December: timing and location

TL;DR

Place nest boxes in December to support wintering birds and prepare for spring breeding. Install them 1.5-2 metres high in quiet spots with south or south-east facing entry. Avoid movement, heavy shade, and obstacles near entrances. Clean existing boxes in October; install new ones in December.

Why December for bird houses?

December is far from arbitrary for nesting boxes. At this moment, houses offer genuine survival advantage for resident birds. You also prepare ground for breeding-season pairs that seek nest sites in March-April. Wait until February and pairs have already settled elsewhere - missed opportunity for safer, occupied homes.

December installation gives birds four full months to recognize and become comfortable with your houses before breeding season. Pairs that scout for nest sites in late February recognize familiar boxes and move in immediately. This is not merely winter comfort - it is spring preparation.

Practically, December is a quiet month in the garden. You build and install without distraction from active growth, maintenance, flowering. The ground feels firmer after night frosts, providing more stable foundations for poles.

Location choice: sunny, windstill, accessible

Most gardeners place bird houses in trees, which is sensible. But location deep within branches offers only limited benefit. Preference: branches that face south or south-east. Why? Morning sun wakes birds early. South-facing entrance prevents snow buildup. South-east orientation shields from winter wind (usually north-west).

Height: install boxes at least 1.5 metres high. Cats reach lower boxes. Birds feel secure when at least 1.5-2.0 metres above ground. Firm mounting prevents wobble under bird weight.

Clear approach: place boxes at least 1 metre from dense foliage and branches. Birds want unobstructed flight path. Obstacles make boxes less attractive and give predators (cats, jays) better cover for attack.

Wind: avoid draughty spots. Birds want windstill. If your garden receives strong southerly wind, place boxes on the north side of trees where wind pressure lessens. Strong draught weakens breeding season nesting attempts.

Shade: avoid full shade. Even in December, sun helps birds maintain vigilance. Deep shade (under dense evergreen canopy) makes boxes colder and less attractive.

Types of boxes and mounting

Different bird species prefer different houses. Tit species (Great Tit, Coal Tit) prefer enclosed boxes with small entrance hole (28 mm). Robins prefer open-fronted or semi-enclosed designs. Starlings prefer larger holes (45 mm).

Material: hardwood (oak, beech) lasts decades. Softwood (spruce, pine) decays faster. For December installation prefer solid, untreated wood. No chemical treatment - birds peck at paint and varnish.

Mounting: use stainless steel bolts. Nails rust. Secure boxes firmly to sturdy branches or vertical trunks. Wobbling boxes feel unsafe to birds.

Drainage: good boxes have small holes in floor for moisture escape during wet winters. Standing water inside leads to fungus and disease. Check floor before December placement.

Step-by-step

Step 1: Inspect old boxes in October

December placement begins with October preparation. Check existing bird houses. Remove droppings, mud, dead nesting material. Use warm water and soft brush - no toxic cleaners.

Step 2: Choose location in November

Walk your garden. Find branches with south-facing angles. Check wind shelter. Mark suitable spot with tape.

Step 3: Check box condition in December

Before mounting, inspect the box itself. Entrance clear? Drainage holes open? No splinters on entry rim?

Step 4: Mount securely in December

Attach box with stainless steel hardware. No wobble. Test by gentle shake.

Frequently asked questions

How many nest boxes do I place per garden?

Multiple boxes (5-10) create better colony conditions. Birds defend territory, so spacing prevents conflict. For small gardens (under 100 m2) two-three boxes suffice. Large gardens (300+ m2) can support 8-10 without overlap.

Can I place boxes after December?

Yes, but less optimal. January placement gives birds only two months familiarity. February placement helps but many pairs have already chosen sites. March placement comes too late for successful first broods.

What if my garden has many cats?

High mounting (at least 2.0-2.5 metres) helps. Clear approach gives birds escape room. Some gardeners install cat netting below boxes, which is contentious but reduces predation. Better: keep cats indoors March-June.

Should I place food near boxes?

Not essential but helpful. December food attracts bird species to your garden. Place seed feeder away from boxes. Birds eat at feeders then breed in boxes later without distraction. This separates activities cleanly.

Discover bird-friendly garden design

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