However, there are many other cavity-nesting birds, such as chickadees, bluebirds, and house wrens that cannot make their own holes. These birds rely on old woodpecker holes and natural cavities in dying trees for nesting sites. The reduction in the number of available nesting sites through habitat loss has increased competition among birds for the remaining sites. Loss of habitat and competition with house sparrows were significant causes of this decline. Fortunately, nest box placement for bluebirds has now begun to reverse the decline of bluebird populations.
Nest boxes are birdhouses that are specifically tailored for cavity-nesting birds.
The size of the opening and the dimensions of the box have been calculated to fit the size of the bird and its nest. For example, the standard songbird box is sized to fit a number of small birds, but the entrance hole is too small for the aggressive European starling. Putting up a nest box is an easy and economical way to increase nest sites for cavity-nesting birds and to help them achieve nesting success. To begin a nest box project on your golf course, you must determine how many boxes you want to put up, what type of birds you are likely to attract, and who will build, monitor, and maintain the boxes. A metal post will discourage predators such as raccoons, cats, and snakes from climbing to the nest.