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An exception might be made of the phoebe shelter, which is best
placed under the eaves of the house or in a protected spot around human
habitations. It can be painted to conform with the walls or trim color of
the house so that it assumes protective coloration by not standing out
against its background. Don't paint houses too often, for birds seem to
like houses which have weathered a bit.
Feeders may also be painted, unless you happen to subscribe to the
nature school, which insists that everything out of doors must be stained
a dingy brown. Actually, we believe that it is the oil smell which
birds dislike and not the color. We have always painted our feeders
and houses the same soft but not dull blue-spruce color we used on
the shutters of our home, and we have never lacked either tenants
or free-lunchers. However, we always try to get the houses and feeders painted several weeks ahead of the need for them outdoors. If
the structure is built early in winter and painted by late winter, any
paint odor will have dissipated by house-hunting and nesting time. Put
out the house somewhat earlier than you think it may be needed. This
will allow it to weather a bit and will also have it there ready for early
arrivals, who may very well stake out their claim and start building
ahead of schedule. You can check with your local Audubon Society
group as to the approximate times of arrival and nesting in your climate
and region, if you want to be really certain. Don't be alarmed if birds
don't nest the first year; you may have missed their arrival time, or they
may have taken out their season's lease where they were last year. Next
year you may be their landlord.
. . . where to place the birdhouse
A suitable site for the house is of primary importance, naturally, for if
the location is not to the liking and needs of its potential tenants it will
remain vacant. There should be safety from marauding squirrels and
cats; there must be sun (or shade according to species); and the house
must be placed at a suitable height.
Be sure to face the house away from prevailing winds, so that rain
will not be driven into the entrance hole. Never tilt the front of the
house upward if you are affixing it to a tree trunk, or rain will enter.
Either place it vertically or slant it downwards. Some houses may be
hung from two wires below a horizontal limb, the wires preventing it
from spinning in the breezes. Select a large enough limb so that the
house is not constantly jouncing about.
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