Most raptors hunt in flight. Perches can be used to increase the presence of these predators, influencing both bird and rodent control. This is particularly true during winter and early spring months when crops are not present or provide little ground cover, and in areas where natural perches have been removed. Consider the following points when designing raptor perches. The perch should stand fifteen to twenty feet tall.
Raptors show a preference toward perches that provide protection from attack from above and behind.
The design in Figure 3 below achieves this by placing two cross pieces at least 3 feet apart. Cross pieces should be fairly substantial in size. A minimum size would be 2 by 2 by 18 inches long. Strength and stability are important. Perches should be oriented so that the cross pieces point east and west.