February Fact
In 1994, February was recognized as the most challenging time of the year for birds.
What is National Bird Feeding Month?
Birds using old holes in trees or nest boxes fall into this category.
What is a Cavity Nester?
A nest about the size of a golf ball belongs to this bird.
What is a hummingbird?
This entrance size is ideal for excluding starlings from nest boxes.
What is 1 1/2 inches?
The best direction to face a nest box is east or southeast to provide this benefit.
What is morning warmth?
bluebird, chickadees, and Hairy Woodpeckers.
Looking for nesting sites
This group of birds commonly uses large nest boxes mounted high on trees or poles near to open areas.
What are Owls?
Crucial for determining which species can use the cavity/nest box, and safety from predators.
What is the importance of the entrance hole size?
Nest boxes should always include these to prevent water buildup.
What are drainage holes?
The recommended height for most nest boxes?
What is 5 - 15 feet?
This late night bird is starting to nest right now.
What is an Owl?
Woodpeckers are known for this nesting behaviour.
What is cavity excavating?
Birds such as robins and phoebes prefer open platforms rather than enclosed boxes.
What are shelf or ledge nesters?
Perches on nest boxes encourage access by these.
What are predators?
West or South facing nest boxes should be avoided as they can cause this, leading to death.
What is overheating?
February 13-16, 2026.
When is the GBBC?
Ducks such as Wood Ducks and Mergansers often rely on nest boxes because they cannot excavate cavities.
What is are Waterfowl?
Spider silk is used in nests for this purpose.
What is flexibility? (stretching as the chicks grow)
Located near the top of the box, these are critical to regulate temp, air quality, prevent overheating and moisture build-up.
What are ventilation holes?
Nest boxes should face AWAY from this to protect the entrance from cold air and rain getting in.
What are prevailing winds?
February is the perfect time to set-up what is known as the Ideal Nest Box installation.
What is East or South-East facing, protected from the wind, pole mounted 5-15 feet high, nest box with a baffle to maximize chick survival.
One of these birds just doesn't belong here ...chickadee, wren, nuthatch, Wood Duck, goldfinch, tree swallow, woodpecker.
What is a goldfinch?
Using the same nest site year after yeas is known as the behaviour.
What is site fidelity?
Nest Box feature allows for breeding in summer and shelter in winter.
What is a Convertible Roosting Box?
Using a pole with this can help prevent predators from getting to the box.
What is a baffle? (predator guard)