Location Read about the birds you want to attract. The chart will provide information so you can place the nest box at a good height on existing trees or installed poles. In some cases nesting territories of a species are given, so you can estimate the number of boxes to erect in a given area. Place boxes in quiet areas where human traffic is at a minimum. If possible turn it away from the usual direction of rain and strong winds.
Clothesline poles can be suitable if the box is located away from or above flapping clothes.
Chickadees like to nest near bushes or shrubs. Purple martin colonies will probably not be used unless these birds already frequent the area. Wrens need two boxes, one for the nest, another to store nesting material. Flickers adopt a nest box more readily if it is placed above surrounding foliage. Wood ducks, goldeneyes, hooded and common mergansers prefer a nest box near, or standing in, water.