BIRD
CONSERVATION
An easy at-home approach to bird conservation begins with creating a welcoming environment in your backyard, like bird feeders and native plants. Share your passion with neighbors and host community events focused on birdwatching or gardening. Together, can expand our commitment to bird conservation from our homes to our communities.
The Carolina Chickadee!
Carolina chickadees are, lively birds with black-capped and a cheerful "chick-a-dee-deee" call. Common in the eastern U.S., they thrive forests and parks. These curious birds often approach humans, for food, making them a delightful sight!
American Kestrels
The American Kestrel is North America's smallest falcon, measuring 9 to 12 inches. With a striking appearance and the ability to see ultraviolet light, they spot prey easily while perched on wires.
Northern Cardinals!
Northern Cardinals are vibrantbirds recognized for their bright red feathers and cheerful songs. Males flaunt striking plum, while females are warm brown. These friendly birds often visit backyards and a year-round symbol of winter wildlife in the eastern United.
NESTING BOXES
Nesting boxes are one of the simplest and most effective ways to support local bird conservation. By providing safe, weather-proof spaces for cavity-nesting birds—species that rely on tree hollows now lost to urban development—you can help restore essential habitats right in your own backyard.
Below, you’ll find step-by-step guides and resources on how to build, install, and care for your own nesting box, along with tips for cleaning, maintenance, and monitoring once it’s up.
Every bird species, whether a tiny chickadee that fits in your palm or a small screech owl, requires specific dimensions and designs for its nesting box. While sizes vary, a few rules of thumb always apply: use untreated wood, use hardy woods like cedar, avoid painting or staining the box, and make sure the box is sturdy, weather-resistant, and safe for its future tenants (no peaking nails!).
Download instructions for building your own Kestrel, Cardinal, or Chickadee nest boxes by clicking on these buttons. Have a different bird you want a birdhouse for? Contact us!
BUILDING A NESTING BOX
1.
When installing your nesting box, height and placement matter. Mount it 8–10 feet high for smaller birds and 15-30 feet high for larger birds like Kestrels on a sturdy post or tree, facing east or southeast to avoid harsh afternoon sun and prevailing winds. Keep the entrance clear of branches or obstructions, but near trees or shrubs for shelter. Ensure the box is securely fastened and always placed in a quiet, low-traffic area to keep birds safe from predators.
For mounting heights, please refer to your specific bird.
SETTING UP A NESTING BOX
2.
Once your box is up, give nature time to find it. Avoid peeking inside too often—birds need peace to settle in. Keep an eye from a distance for signs of activity, like nesting material or chirping. After chicks have fledged, clean the box once a year to remove old nests and parasites, and check that it’s still sturdy and weather-tight for the next season.
WAIT & WATCH
3.
PROGRAMS & PROJECTS.
Community Events
Sign up for a local community event! We'll teach you all there is to bird conservation, how you can take action, and even provide you with the materials to build a nesting box as we guide you along the process!
Online Workshops
We regularly host online events across the 50 states. Interested in furthering bird conservation at your school or community? Reach out to facilitate a workshop event!
Forest Restoration
By 2027, BBP will be working with Project Rise to plant 20,000 trees in North America with 30 mosques of volunteers to help!
MAKE AN IMPACT.
Host a nesting box workshop in your community or schedule us to lead an online one! Take part in our 2027 plan to plant 20,000 trees or adopt a nesting box or bird feeder today. Want to connect? Contact us below.