Mounting the Nestbox Generally speaking, hanging birdhouses are not as attractive to birds as stationary ones. For best results nestboxes should go on a tree, pole, or fence. For most woodland species, it is helpful if you mount the nestbox within ten to fifteen feet of shrubs or other trees so that nesting birds will have a nearby perching spot. We do not recommend houses with a perch near the entrance hole since perches primarily assist only House Sparrows. Most birds prefer boxes mounted between five and twenty feet above the ground and faced so that the entrance hole is away from the prevailing winds.
Many birds are very territorial, especially during nesting season.
If you are putting up more than one box for the same species, check territorial requirements. Predators and Competitors Nesting birds are vulnerable to many predators during nesting season. Raccoons, squirrels, cats, snakes, and other birds will all prey on eggs or nestlings. Baffles can keep raccoons, squirrels and sometimes cats from getting to nestboxes if the pole or tree is isolated and not accessible from nearby structures or branches of nearby trees. Some nestboxes are made with a thick block of wood surrounding the entrance hole to make it more difficult for predatory mammals to reach in and get the eggs or nestlings inside.