How to Provide Birds with Shelter

Many birds, singly or in groups, shelter in cavities, holes, or abandoned buildings on cold nights and during bad weather. Bird nesting boxes (bird houses) are a good alternative. If you provide bird houses, make sure they are in good shape and cleaned out before cold weather begins.

Nesting Box (photo by Leslie Miller)

If you have a property with dead trees or branches that may be safely left in place, woodpeckers often hollow out cavities that provide shelter and nesting holes for many different birds.

Woodpecker Cavities in Dead Tree (photo by Leslie Miller)

Tall grasses provide shelter to quail, sparrows, and other birds. Brush piles help wrens and a variety of other birds as well.

You can help the birds in your area survive the harshest winter when you focus on providing food, water and shelter.