Make Your Back Yard A Friendly Space For Birds While Decorating Your Fence

If your backyard fence is currently "for the birds" and in need of a stylish refresh, why not truly make it for the birds? Hanging some whimsical birdhouses will not only cheer up the space, but can provide a valuable habitat for your feathered friends. Once you've taken care of any needed repairs and splashed on some fresh paint, your fence is a blank canvas for endless creativity. Instead of simply adding climbing plants, metal art, or other seasonal fence-worthy decor, hanging some birdhouses offers a natural aesthetic while also serving an eco-friendly purpose. Bird houses, or nesting boxes, not only offer a safe refuge for birds, but also provide a place for them to breed and raise their young.

Before you get too far into your project, let's go over some of the basics that will make sure you attract the right visitors and don't bring any harm their way. Here's a bird's eye view of everything you need to know so you're not winging it when it comes to selecting or building birdhouses.

First off, not all birds prefer a house. Many bird species build their nests in trees or find a cozy spot on your porch or patio. Those that do enjoy an enclosure have some specific requirements as to what makes a (bird) house a (bird) home. This handy interactive guide from Nest Watch, a bird monitoring organization, will tell you exactly what size and shape of structure each bird prefers based on the species and your locale. 

In addition to size specifications, most birdhouses should not include perches as they can potentially allow predators access to the house. Same goes for bright colors. Birds aren't following the latest color trends and would prefer to keep it on the down-low so as not to attract unwanted attention. Grays, browns, and greens (think camouflage) are considered the hippest colors on the bird block. 

Finally, wood is the preferred building material for the modern bird. Chemicals in treated wood, such as creosote, can be harmful to birds, so untreated is best. Wood also allows for proper temperature control in cases of extreme heat and cold. It's unwise to construct birdhouses out of metal or plastic and using these materials is a big mistake that could harm the birds. 

Where and in what direction your birdhouses face is an important consideration for placement. Although it varies from bird to bird, a general rule is that the nesting boxes should be kept out of full afternoon sunlight and face away from prevailing winds in your yard. In the U.S., this typically means aiming birdhouses to the east to avoid the hottest sun in the afternoons.

Even though it might seem cute to cluster the bird houses on your fence, it's recommended to keep them at least 7 feet apart. This is another way to deter predators from visiting. Think "snack" versus "smorgasbord." In terms of height, place the birdhouses high enough on the fence that they're out of predator danger –  the higher the better with a minimum height of 5 feet above the ground. It's also best to keep birdhouses away from areas your house pets frequent. Domestic cats, in particular, are known to raid nest boxes when given the opportunity. If cats do become a problem, there are some tips for keeping cats away that you can follow.

Now that you know exactly how to be the perfect host at the most chic avian Airbnb, it's time to get creative. Whether you prefer to make your own charming birdhouses or purchase some at your local hobby or gardening store, the sky's the limit! Even if you build it and they don't come, you'll still have some very cute fence decor for your own enjoyment.