Northern Flicker Bird House Plans

Northern Flicker Bird House Plans: A Detailed Guide

Northern Flickers are beautiful and beneficial birds that add a touch of charm to any backyard. They are also cavity nesters, which means they rely on natural cavities in trees or man-made structures to build their nests. By providing a Northern Flicker bird house, you can help these birds find a safe and suitable place to raise their young.

Choosing the Right Location

The first step in building a Northern Flicker bird house is to choose the right location. Flickers prefer to nest in open areas with plenty of trees and shrubs. They also like to be near a source of water, such as a pond or stream. Avoid placing the bird house in a windy or exposed area, as this can make it difficult for the birds to enter and exit the nest.

Building the Bird House

There are many different designs for Northern Flicker bird houses, but they all share some common features. The house should be made of untreated wood, such as cedar or pine. The interior should be large enough to accommodate a nest, and the entrance hole should be about 2.5 inches in diameter. The house should also have a drainage hole in the bottom to prevent water from accumulating inside.

You can find detailed plans for building a Northern Flicker bird house online or in books. If you are not comfortable building a bird house from scratch, you can also purchase a pre-made house.

Installing the Bird House

Once you have built your bird house, you need to install it in the chosen location. The house should be mounted on a pole or tree trunk at a height of 10 to 20 feet. Make sure the house is stable and secure, and that the entrance hole is facing away from the prevailing wind.

Maintaining the Bird House

Once your Northern Flicker bird house is installed, you need to maintain it properly to ensure that it remains a safe and suitable place for the birds to nest. This includes cleaning the house regularly to remove old nests and debris. You should also inspect the house for damage and make repairs as needed.

Conclusion

By providing a Northern Flicker bird house, you can help these beautiful and beneficial birds find a safe and suitable place to raise their young. With a little effort, you can make a positive impact on the local wildlife population.