Cleaning is made easy thanks to the the slide out metal tray at the bottom of the cage and convenient access to the interior space through the large main door. the boxes should be cleaned out after the last brood has left the nest in late summer. Thoroughly cleaning deteriorated nests and any remnants is recommended to prevent attracting colonies in the future. Is it too late to clean out bird houses? No, it is not too late to clean out your birdhouse, but time is running out. Day 1: Bluebird babies hatching. Your Birdhouse Entrance Hole Isn’t The Right Size. Kenn and Kimberly: Cleaning is an important part of being a responsible bird host. And make sure to wash your hands well after the job. Bluebird houses will usually have a 1-1/2” – 1-9/16” hole size. When it comes to cleaning out nest boxes, there are a few things to keep in mind. Solution #2: Eliminate their nest. So yup, i would clean it out when i knew it was 100% done being used (I agree with the wait for Sept. Marie Read Like other cavity-nesting birds, tree swallows will accept nest boxes if you put them up. Bird like to be clean, just like us. The cardinals are a pretty sight with their vibrant red color and stout physique. Woodlink Wooden Bluebird House - Model BB1 7. Having a clean wren birdhouse is important because it helps the birds stay healthy and can attract more wrens to your yard. Clean out bird houses and bird feeders. At the end of the season, clean out the old nest material and store your birdhouse in a dry spot in the garage or basement to keep it from freezing and fading. Remember that every bird leaves tons of clues about its identity in its nest. This is a unique birdhouse. by 4 in. Attach the wood pieces using a combination of nails and non-toxic glue. May 2, 2021 by Birds & Wild Should birdhouses be cleaned out? I hear you ask. So now’s the perfect time to go and clean out any existing boxes, put up your new ones, and await the arrival of the Eastern Bluebird. Author Note: In the unfortunate event that a bird dies in the walls of your house, it won’t be too long until you find out about it. Drizzle and stir in: 1 cup melted rendered suet (try to get kidney suet as it’s easier to melt). Nest boxes – The autumn is a great time to clean out bird houses and nest boxes of the bedding placed inside during the breeding season. Cover the ceiling with a coating of soap, and extend it slightly down the walls too. Male House Sparrow at Feeder. A word of caution: When cleaning a box in the summer, you have to be certain. Not all birds clean house. Garden Birds. This term is most frequently applied to birds, but is also used for bats. If a bird occupies a birdhouse during the winter, it is sometimes referred to as a roost box. Put hummingbird feeders out early to attract the first seasonal migrants. Give the birdhouse a good scrubbing with the solution, making sure to get all corners and crevices. After the chickadee eggs hatched, a sparrow attacked again and killed two babies while knocking four out of the nest. 5. Think of this as creating little safe houses for birds and little mammals (as well as frogs and reptiles). The modern design can work indoors or out and comfortably houses up to five small birds. A male wren will build a nest out of sticks and perch on the branches above the house to attract a female. Keep it neutral. However, it will still be too late. Finish pruning any fruit trees after the last fruit is removed. Dirty feathers lose much of their insulating properties, so a clean bird is a warm bird. Estimate litter, heat for brooding, lights, and miscellaneous costs. by Esther. Cut out 2 panels that are both 15 cm (5. Some roost communally, others individually. Meanwhile, others claim you can lend a helping hand to birds by cleaning the birdhouse of any buildup that could cause parasites. Some bluebirds prefer to build new nests in a clean nest box. , if you’re cleaning out a nest box) in a place where they won’t attract insects to the nest area. Don’t be surprised to find eggs in. Placing hummingbird feeders outside one to two weeks early can help feed the earliest migrating. Stop feeding for a while. But, unlike Sparrows and Starlings, Tree Swallow and Bluebirds. Then, take a cleaning solution like a Purple Martin house cleaner and scrub the outside of the house and inside of each cavity. We agree with Julie Zickefoose in her phenomenal book, The Bluebird Effect: Uncommon Bonds with Common Birds. Put your feeders out in Iowa in late April to early May. While I do suggest having your nest boxes set up by February 15th so that bluebirds can find it be early spring, any time will work. Although bluebirds can start nesting as early as February, the best time to see them is in April, May, or even June. I clean my houses the minute the nestlings have fledged, even if it’s in the middle of the summer. Position your bird box out of reach of predators and you could include safety features such as baffles to help protect birds using it. First of all, never blindly reach into any box. This one comes recommended by Bell (who, full disclosure, works for Audubon). Some people have a martin house up for several years before attracting the desired residents. Blue tits prefer to nest in practically any hole, crack, or crevasse around 1 to 5m off the ground. (44) $27. These are: access to food. into the ground, screw the pipe flange and. Birds like good hygiene, too. Install a mesh or wire cover to block the opening. Its roof is perfected with its stair-like appearance and light wood-burning design. Press some peanut butter between rows of scales, filling in larger gaps. You certainly want to get one up and ready for early spring (late January). Make sure the entrance hole of your birdhouse does not face prevailing winds. Kenn and Kimberly: Cleaning is an important part of being a responsible bird host. That is, do not try to help the bird come out of the egg. Remember to clean out bird houses annually. Birds Make Gracious Tenants! With a little effort and a lot of fun you will have the most popular house on your. Step 1: Semi-Annual Clean Out. Birds certainly need a place to rest and get out of bad weather in the warmer months, but during the winter finding warm, dry places to roost is critical. Some designs include movable sides, roofs, or fronts for easy access. There is much good news about Bluebirds and their resurgence. Place tree and shrub branches on the top of the pile for warmth and protection. My initial concern about this house was the ability to clean it. 4. This keeps them accessible for refilling, but out of the reach of hungry bears. 8 Ideas for Landscaping Under Bird Feeders. Setting up a motion-activated sprinkler system near the bird feeder is another strategy to keep doves away. Always wait until the end of the breeding season, ensure the box is empty and all the birds have flown. A: In hot weather, the feeder should be emptied and cleaned twice per week. Here's one trick of the trade. The simple solution is to set up an additional sugar-water feeder on another side of your house, out of sight of the other male’s domain. If you have made the effort to build a birdhouse or nesting box for your yard or garden, it is probably because you care for birds. This number of grubs indicates you will probably face a few adult beetles cruising around the nighttime landscape come the following summer. g. Red Church Bird House Plan : This plan will build you a bright red church for your birds. Also find 5 ways to create a cleanout door. Some bluebirds prefer to build new nests in a clean nest box. 99 (set of 3) This teardrop shaped small birdhouses are hand-woven from dried natural hibiscus grass. Some people fear if they clean out a nest box, they might be disrupting a family of birds who might need it for future use. The Migratory Bird Act does prohibit the destruction of any native bird’s nest, whether it is in a box or in a bush or tree. Look for minimal designs. When should you clean out birdhouses? When birds’ breeding season is over, typically in early to late August, you should clean out your birdhouse. Bird Baths and Bird Houses; Planters and Pots; SPRING GARDEN PLANT CARE. Another important feature for a roosting shelter, as well as a bird house, is the ability to be able to clean it out from time to time. 0. Bluebirds need more room, so a box that’s 5-1/2 by 5-1/2 inches and 10 inches tall is perfect. Is it too late to clean out bird houses? No, it is not too late to clean out your birdhouse, but time is running out. suitable habitat. Bluebirds produce 2-3 broods of young throughout the nesting season, so if you put up your nest box in mid-to-late summer, you might still attract a pair to. It's a good idea to clean out your nest box once the young birds have fledgedfledgedFledging is the stage in a flying animal's life between hatching or birth and becoming capable of flight. At a minimum, clean at the end of nesting season (e. Also, Tree Swallows and Bluebirds might nest in a martin house as well. Top 5 Hummingbird Houses and Nesters. When it comes to cleaning out nest boxes, there are a few things to keep in mind. 08 states that it is illegal to agitate birds. Depending on the types of birds that have used the house, it may be ready for cleaning as early as late summer. Depending on. The remnants of a Bluebird nest from last. Generally, this means in September and early March. You can use a putty knife, as needed, to scrape. Photo of Mountain Bluebird eggs by Anne Elliott via Birdshare. They have a program called nest watch and along with that they provide plans on specific birds and the bird houses that are best suited for them. Depending on the style this may require loosening some screws or just pulling a nail to release a door. Is it too late to clean out bird houses? No, it is not too late to clean out your birdhouse, but time is running out. Carefully shine a flashlight inside to make sure there aren't eggs or chicks inside. comment). CONTENTS :8. Should you leave bird houses out in the winter? Birds certainly need a place to rest and get out of bad weather in the warmer months, but during the winter. I clean my houses the minute the nestlings have fledged, even if it’s in the middle of the summer. Provide easy access for cleaning and monitoring. Choose the right color for bird bath. Regularly clean feeders and bird baths once a week to prevent disease spread. These Bird Feeders work! Easy to Fill, Easy to Clean - Feed the birds with this handcrafted Mason Jar time tested bird feeder! (456) $29. This encompasses when they are in the nesting period. Don't put your martin house up until four to six weeks after the first purple martins arrive. August is time to clean. Step 5: Soak your brush in the water and scrub any left over material out of the units. So yup, i would clean it out when i knew it was 100% done being used (I agree with the wait for Sept. Should you clean out bird houses? Bird houses should be thoroughly cleaned after the nesting season ends and the last young birds have left the nest. Birds are an essential element of any wildlife garden, so make sure you are doing everything you can to encourage them to your yard by avoiding these simple bird bath errors. Treatment of a poisoned bird: First of all, change the cage, pots for water and give the bird a drop of milk, egg white, oat porridge or mucus of linseed. So you want to remove last year’s nest. Step #2: Determine the age of the baby bird. To successfully keep starlings away, you need to be persistent. Your Birdhouse Is Placed At The Wrong Location. Birdhouses and nesting boxes should be cleaned at least once each year. Boxes should face open spaces, the edge of woods is ok. The oil will react to oxygen to create a hard layer that won’t vaporize and harm the birds. An earlier nesting period is more common in warmer parts of the country. We recommend cleaning out the box after each brood or at the end of the year, at. That’s why birds like to flock to clean bird feeders and use bird baths. Try to clean the corners and holes as they are prone to get filled with dirt. I also clean my nests out after they have fledged and have had bluebirds return to nest and other birds use the boxes after the blue birds. Take action right away and remove the dead bird immediately. You can start scrubbing the birdhouse using the cleaning solution you had just created. This flexible nature helps them thrive in cities and suburbs as well as on farms. Step 4: Sanitizing the Birdhouse. First of all, never blindly reach into any box. Saving Your Tomatoes from the Birdsto clean out a bird box. Clean out spring and summer nesting material in the late summer to make way for birds that will use a bird house through the winter. How many chambers does a bird’s heart have? Well, this should surprise you that, like humans, a bird’s heart also has 4 chambers. House sparrows , however, are a colonial nester and sometimes do nest in early spring or even late winter. Additional washing may be needed until you see very few mites. Do not wait until the winter to clean out nest boxes as birds may already be roosting in them. Learn how, why, and when to clean out birdhouses and nesting boxes to help provide a safe and nurturing home for birds and their young ones. One of the enjoyments of spring in the Northeast is that it’s nesting season for the birds, so that bushes and trees, grasses and reeds, and even just plain gravel and stone, become home to hard-working parents supplying their young with the food of choice. Or if it's already in place, keep the holes. To increase your chances of attracting nesting hummingbirds: Offer nesting material such as natural cotton fibers in dedicated hangers. Although it is advised that you clean your birdhouse out once a year, it may not be completely necessary. No doubt about it, you absolutely must clean out your Bluebird bird house, with the only time not to is if you can be sure it wasn't used to begin with. Keep the floor area around 4 x 4 inches and the height of 9 inches (inside), as it will provide enough space for birds to move freely. Conclusion. If it's sparsely feathered and not capable of hopping, walking, flitting, or gripping tightly to your finger, it's a nestling. There is no bad time to put out birdhouses, and the best time to put them up is as soon as you have them available. Barn swallows are considered cavity-nesting birds and will use sheltered nest boxes mounted underneath covered areas. Most birds do not eat these grains, except for nonnative House Sparrows, which many people try to avoid attracting anyway. CONTENTS :Birds face many dangers in their environment, and predators are one of the biggest threats to their safety. A short stubby perch will be too small to assist most predators. In the United States, for example, it is illegal to remove or destroy any active nest from a native bird species, defined as a nest with eggs or brooding adults in it. Woodlink NABB Audubon Bluebird Houses. Safety – Check there are no sharp edges, or moving joints in which a bird. Picking a Color for Your Bird Feeder or Bird House Gray, dull green, tan, or brown , are colors. Read on to learn more about bluebirds and how you can support bluebirds in your yard!Elizabeth Michels Pinizzotto on Jul 21, 2017. First of all, never blindly reach into. Build your nest box so that it is easily maintained. In between broods, the best way to clean out your birdhouse is to remove the old nest material and scrub down the interior with a stiff brush. Abundant Food – Please do not use pesticides and deprive Bluebirds of their natural food source-insects. In my opinion, you should remove used nests as soon as the young fledge (birds in the North begin another clutch an average of 17 days later, in the South 26 days. Cleaning the birdhouse thoroughly is important once the bees or wasps have been eliminated. FAQS. More often, birds will clean it out themselves, it would. The bird. High in fat and protein, they are great for feeding birds in winter. Setting up a nesting box in your yard can provide an essential nesting area for the members of many species of birds. too. Therefore we needed additional. The truth is that this type of product isn’t that specific, so it isn’t uniquely made for grackle control and it might inadvertently repel other bird species, too. To keep bird houses safe from raccoons and cats, mount the bird houses atop metal poles. In some cases, a bird will begin using the house as early as January or February. There is always a need for nesting places, and bluebirds will take anything that looks suitable for nesting. For birds that have multiple broods per season, such as bluebirds, it's a good idea to clean out nesting material between broods. gardens and urban parks. Wear gloves and use a small brush or scraper to remove debris from the corners. How to Identify Barn Swallow Nests. It doesn’t have to be a gushing torrent to get them to notice. However, it is never too early or late to put up a nest box ,. Your Birdhouse’s Previous Nest Hasn’t Been Cleaned Out. These Audubon bluebird birdhouses are simple, well-built, and untreated. Let the nest box dry out completely before closing it. Deer Mice often make their nests in Bluebird boxes. If you can find the nest (it may be well hidden), put the bird back as quickly as possible. But you can get rid of adult June bugs naturally by trapping them with a mixture of 1/2 cup molasses and 1/2 cup water placed in a narrow-necked container. Use the advice above to ensure that birds will be attracted to the birdhouse. They prefer places that go undisturbed. That being said,. No, it’s never too late to put up a bluebird house. Reason #8: Noisy SurroundingWhy You Should Get It: This bird bath has a solid build as well as a neutral design and color. Leave it in an open place to dry thoroughly. Realistically, any time is good; the longer it is available the more chance birds have to find it and scope it out as a potential home. It allows you to inspect the inside of the bird house for any damage or wear and tear. But if you give it a few more. Ideas to Attract Birds: Birds love the nest in a habitat that provides shelter, food, and water. If you plan on leaving the house up year-round, then the house should also be cleaned at the end of winter, in anticipation of nesting birds in search of a safe place to lay eggs. With sheltered boxes like this, a flock is more likely to move in this time of year. In nature, when bluebirds find a natural cavity to nest in (such as in an old tree or fence post), no one is going to clean out their old nest. Choosing the Right Bird Bath Height. When should you clean out your bird house? We recommend that you clean your birdhouses out a minimum of once a year. Made of ceramic, they offer a stylish, sculptural shape that is inspired by the natural form of bird's nests. This will vary from species to species. 2. Check for signs of mold or mildew. off the ground to protect birds from predators, or hung in a tree. Scrub baths and feeders inside and out with warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Open the bird house or partially disassemble it if necessary for proper cleaning. 5. Q. Depending on the style this may require loosening some screws or just pulling a nail to release a door. Cut old berry canes and tie the new canes to support wires. Scrub the house thoroughly with a weak bleach solution (one part chlorine bleach to nine parts warm water). I clean my houses the minute the nestlings have fledged, even if it’s in the middle of the summer. Use boiling water to clean the birdhouse and then allow it to dry in the sun. The emergence of a Predator. Material – Wood may look most natural, but metal, plastic and polycarbonate may be easier to clean. This can potentially leave the new nest dangerously close to the entrance hole, where predators can easily reach it. Remember, a clean house will encourage birds to come back year after year, while a dirty house can attract insects, pests, and rodents. Cleaning is made easy thanks to the the slide out metal tray at the bottom of the cage and convenient access to the interior space through the large main door. Some people have a martin house up for several years before attracting the desired residents. If your hummingbirds empty the feeder with greater frequency, clean it every. When it comes to cleaning out nest boxes, there are a few things to keep in mind. Is it too late to clean out bird houses? No, it is not too late to clean out your birdhouse, but time is running out. In general, hummingbird nests only measure a little over one inch in diameter! Their size depends on several factors. I clean my houses the minute the nestlings have fledged, even if it’s in the middle of the summer. Roosting during the winter is an effective method to survive the extreme cold. Bird House Feeder. Consider low-growing shrubs. Tree hollows created by rot or other animals and birds (especially woodpeckers) are a go-to choice. Photos courtesy of Denise Payne. It is nice to have the feeders completely clean and ready a couple of weeks before hummingbird season. Add a few 3/16-in. your birdhouse could be placed at a height that is either too low or too high for the cavity-nesting birds in your area. Boiling water can be used to kill any parasites remaining in the box, but remember to leave the lid off for a while for it to try out. Learn how, why, and when to clean out birdhouses and nesting boxes to help provide a safe and nurturing home for birds and their young ones. When pigeons approach, the sudden burst of water will startle them, deterring them from coming back. Different species fledge at different times of the year, but the last residents have usually left by September; I think waiting until October is best to be on the safe side. Click on this image for a 30-second video of mice in the box. Its essential then to always clean out your bird house to make way for roosting birds later on in the year. Hang the bird feeders high above the reach of bears. The diameter of the entrance hole should be. I hope that this helps. And in fact, it’s not as easy to answer as yes or no. 100 birds were brought to Brooklyn, NY, and successfully. Take action right away and remove the dead bird immediately. It has a sturdy and durable waterproof finish and a shape that tends to attract the eyes of finch birds. We generally do not clean in between nesting periods as birds like to roost in the boxes too. This will help break the bears’ habit. Cover the ceiling with a coating of soap, and extend it slightly down the walls too. It may require a little effort. Ruby-throated hummingbirds especially love red or orange tubular flowers, such as those found on. This article gives tips and advice on how to go about it. Perhaps you’ve seen these pretty little passerine birds flying in and out of an open barn or shed. I clean my houses the minute the nestlings have fledged, even if its in the middle of the summer. Most of these birds are protected by the law, so preventing them from nesting in your hanging basket is the best action you can take before it is too late. Fix low humidity by misting the plant or using a humidifier to prevent drooping and the death of leaves of bird of paradise. 20 is a lot to have around but families may stick together. When it comes to cleaning out nest boxes, there are a few things to keep in mind. If you are lucky enough to have tree swallows, you will want to have a pair of nestboxes, back to back, about 15 to 25 feet apart (like in the top photo). If you leave a birdhouse outside for too long, it may not attract as many birds due to the lack of care. Remember that every bird leaves tons of clues about its identity in its nest. 25" x 13". When it comes to cleaning out nest boxes, there are a few things to keep in mind. Birds find water sources in nature the same way they will find your birdbath—through the sight and sound of moving water. Many species of cavity-nesting birds have more than one brood, and we recommend you clean out the box after each brood. Therefore, they should be kept clean and in good condition. Cut the wood pieces using a hand or electric saw. Consider a wildflower garden. When Do You Clean Out Bird Houses; uncategorized. Clean the Birdhouse. These redbirds prey on insects as well as consume seeds such as sunflower seeds. Step #2: Wear protective gear. g. Patience and keeping your backyard feeding area in tip-top shape will payout in the end. 1. All Nature's Way wren houses have a 1 1/8" opening to accommodate both house wrens and chickadees while keeping unwanted larger birds out. No, it is not too late to clean out your birdhouse, but time is running out. A regular routine of feeder cleaning will really help them through the winter. I find the center and go about 1" below. Finish pruning any fruit trees after the last fruit is removed. Birds that use birdhouses, as compared to those that make their nests on a tree limb or shrub. Keep a close watch on the birds to make sure they have completely fledged (left the nest) before attempting to clean. holes in the base for drainage. Introduction. This number of grubs indicates you will probably face a few adult beetles cruising around the nighttime landscape come the following summer. These houses have lower entrances and pegs to stand on inside the house. White and terracotta suspended Birdball bird house from Green&Blue. Find out more: BTO is a Registered Charity, Number 216652 (England & Wales), SC039193 (Scotland). 1. Because wasps, mice or other things that are potentially harmful may be in the box, never stick your hands inside if you can’t see the interior clearly. Once the houses have been set up, monitor the trail and clean out the house after each brood to encourage more nesting activity. If you plan on leaving the house up year-round, then the house should also be cleaned at the end of winter, in anticipation of nesting birds in search of a safe place to lay eggs. Repeat process every year. Birds require enough space inside the bird house to create a nest and lay eggs and for the fledglings to move around comfortably once the eggs hatch. That way the box will be ready in case the bird couple decides to have a second brood. If this is the case, now is the time to start cleansing your house. Punishing a bird for not making you happy is just messed up. Day 4: Bluebird hatchlings are 3 days old. This should be done in late fall or winter since some birds in Georgia may start building in late January. Cool Bird Houses. Final Thoughts. SZM For Finch Bluebird - Best Overall. As there are only 2 eggs, I’d guess it’d be fine to let them be cool, they have probably not started to. I moved the house and put a different house on that pole and the sparrows used it. Birdhouses do need to be cleaned out. . However, the birds that use them in the summer, are the same birds that will use them in the winter. This isn’t absolutely necessary; often birds will clean it out themselves, but you can lend them a helping hand. There are key differences between mice and rats. It also uses solar energy storage to keep the fountain running. Birds don't really give out enough body heat to warm up a bird house more. 7. Once it's completely cleaned out, let it sit for a day or two in the sun until it's dry. Replacing the bird house with one you can manage (clean up, check inside, etc. I clean my houses the minute the nestlings have fledged, even if it’s in the middle of the summer. William on Jul 21, 2017. Creating a welcome home for wrens, bluebirds, purple martins and many more, they are a quick and easy way to make your yard more bird friendly. Birds have 1-3 broods a season. The trouble is, if you clean your birdhouse too early, you risk accidentally kicking out the current family. Don't plan to keep birds any longer than the time it takes to reach the desired weight. S. He can’t guard a feeder that he can’t see. It's easy to identify the old canes now - they're turning brown. Keeping the houses clean and free from debris sends a clear message: Unwanted visitors are not welcome! I will clean that out in the spring. Bird #5: Northern Cardinal. Wild birds may carry diseases, so purchasing domesticated California quails is safer. This can help prevent bacteria and. Another thing that works for flea infestations and mite infestations is to kill them with heat. Bird Bath Garden. Essential Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Habitat for Feathered Friends. This means that they end up being a pretty early migrant, along with red-winged blackbirds and eastern phoebes. BIRDHOUSES: After birds lay their eggs and their fledglings take off in the spring, you might have an empty bird box at this point. That’s why birdhouse maintenance is crucial. First used on mammals in the late 1950s, the devices had to be radically lightened to work on birds. Learn When and How. House Sparrows are non-native and not protected by the migratory bird treaty. Drill a main entrance hole, as well as a few small ventilation and drainage holes. How to choose a bird table. Then simply melt 1 cup of lard or suet in a saucepan and then mix with 2 cups of bird. Do birds use bird houses in the winter? You may be surprised to find out that birds do make use of birdhouses in the winter Not all birds migrate to warmer climates during the colder winter months, and not all birds nest in trees or shrubs. To protect chickadees from invading bird attacks or eviction, you can add a hole reducer over the entry hole which will make the hole size smaller – 1-1/8 inch. Read more: Build a one-board DIY birdhouse . I like to scrub mine down entirely. Birds will always look for somewhere safe to build their nests so if your bird house is vulnerable to predators such as cats, squirrels or rodents they will not use it. BIRDS CHOICE: We currently operate out of a 50,000 square feet manufacturing facility in Chilton, WI, employs 45 awesome team members, and remains committed to designing and creating the best darn products in our niches. Birdhouses will better be installed in late summer and early autumn, the prime time when the majority of birds will swarm out searching for potential nesting sites. Price: $20. This is also a good time to clean things up so you are ready for next year. We recommend wearing a pair of garden gloves or rubber dish-washing gloves when handling old nest material as it can contain bacteria and mites. For altricial birds, those that spend more time in vulnerable condition in the nest, the nestling and fledging stage can be the same. [As an aside, I am really happy with my More Birds brand Ruby model hummingbird. hundred, one hundred feet away, ninety, eighty, seventy, Montag gasping, flailing his hands, legs. Late in the nesting season, it is possible (though not common) that there may still be tenants present. Nestboxes should face away from prevailing winds, which generally means facing south. Process to clean out bird house or nest box 1 – Open the birdhouse. Fertilize. The classic bird house is a great choice for the backyard.