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10 DIY Birdbath Ideas You Can Easily Make for Your Garden

Birdbaths are necessities in every bird-friendly garden. The main function of a birdbath is to provide clean water for birds to drink and bathe in. While there are many types of birdbaths you can buy, there are more ways you can make one by yourself. To make a DIY birdbath, all you need are a few simple materials and some creativity. In this article, we will elaborate on why a birdbath is needed, when to install it and how to make a DIY birdbath.

Why Do You Need a Birdbath?


A birdbath is an attractive and functional addition to any garden or yard. It serves many purposes and provides numerous benefits to birds, plants, and humans. Birds need clean water to drink, groom themselves and maintain their hygiene. A birdbath provides birds with fresh and clean water, which helps them to stay healthy. Moreover, birds are often attracted to water sources, especially in the summer when natural sources dry up. A birdbath can attract a variety of birds, including finches, sparrows, and robins, that will come to visit your garden. And the birds attracted by the birdbath can help to maintain and prevent pests from damaging plants and protect the landscape. Additionally, the birdbath not only serves a functional purpose but also enhances the overall look of your garden. It can be a beautiful piece of decor that adds charm and character to your outdoor space.



When to Install a Birdbath?


The best time to install a birdbath is during the spring when birds are returning to their breeding grounds. Installing a birdbath at this time of year will attract pairs of birds that are actively searching for a nesting site. Additionally, spring is also a time when there is a lot of rainfall, which can cause natural water sources to overflow and become contaminated. Therefore, a birdbath can offer birds a safer and cleaner alternative. When installing a birdbath, ensure that it is placed in a location with good visibility for birds. It should be situated in an area with direct sunlight, away from predators such as cats or in shaded areas where birds can hide. Make sure that the birdbath is elevated and has plenty of space around it for birds to perch and drink.

How to Make a DIY Birdbath?

Making a DIY birdbath that is adorably unique can be of great use in increasing the attractiveness of your garden. Birds will love to come and splash around in the cool water on hot days, and you can enjoy watching them from the comfort of your own home.

1. Hanging Birdbath

Making a hanging birdbath is an easy and fun project. You will need a shallow ceramic or glass bowl (a diameter of around 10-12 inches), a length of strong metal chain and pliers (to cut the chain). Attach one end of the chain to the bowl by looping it through the two holes on either side of the rim. Twist the two ends of the chain together tightly. Then repeat this step to add three more chains to create a sturdy support structure for the bird bath. Once all four chains are attached to the bowl, twist the ends together at the top to form a loop. This loop will be used to hang the birdbath.



2. Flower Pot Birdbath

Probably, this is the simplest birdbath you can DIY at your home and you might already have what you need to get started. If you don’t, here’s a shopping list for you: a terra cotta flower pot, a terra cotta saucer, all-purpose glue, paint or other decorations (optional). First, scrub the dirt off the base of the flower pot, clean both the flower pot and saucer thoroughly with soap and water, and allow them to fully dry. Turn the flower pot upside down, apply a layer of the glue to the base, place the saucer on it and leave it for 24 hours to ensure that the glue dries thoroughly. Lastly, you can add paint or other decorations to your birdbath if you wish.



3. Teapot Set Birdbath

If you have an old teapot set in the cupboard that has never been in use for a long time, now is the time to let it shine again. First, take your teapot set from the cupboard and carefully drill holes in the center of the teapot, cups, and saucers. Then, select a sturdy and stable base like a plant stand or a pedestal and make sure it is heavy enough to support the weight of the teapot set. Apply glue on the bottom of each piece of the teapot set and place them on the base. You can arrange them in any pattern you like. Once the glue has dried completely, spray a water-resistant sealant over the entire birdbath to protect it from wear and tear.



4. Mosaic Birdbath

This mosaic bird bath might look difficult or expensive, but you’ll be surprised at how easy and low-cost it really is. Once you have some of the basic supplies, you can make several of these DIY bird baths in no time at all. To make a mosaic birdbath, you will need a large terra cotta saucer, mosaic tiles, water-resistant tile adhesive, grout, sponge, tile nippers, protective gloves and goggles. Using tile nippers, draw a layout of how you want the mosaic tiles to be placed, and cut the tiles accordingly to fit the design as needed. Apply tile adhesive to the back of each tile and press them onto the saucer and let them dry completely. Mix the grout and use the sponge to spread the grout over the surface of the saucer and between the mosaic tiles. Then wipe off excess grout with a damp sponge and let it dry overnight. When it’s dried up, your mosaic birdbath is ready to use!



5. Chip Platter Birdbath

And there are more things you can repurpose, like a chip platter. Find a large chip platter that is deep enough to hold water and a sturdy base or stand that can support the platter. Clean the platter thoroughly and dry it up. Attach the platter to the base or stand using adhesive or screws. Lastly, fill the platter with water and add some stones or pebbles to provide birds a grip. All the items used can be found in every household or a thrift store.



6. Tomato Cage Birdbath

A tomato cage birdbath is a creative way to repurpose an old tomato cage and turn it into a refreshing place for wild birds. The materials you’ll be needing are a wasted tomato cage, wire cutters, pliers, a large saucer, decorative stones and glass beads. First, remove the pointed end of the tomato cage with wire cutters to create a flat base. Bend the three legs of the cage outward to create a stable triangular base and push the base of the cage into the ground until it is firmly grounded. Then use pliers to twist the top of the cage to create a shallow bowl shape. Next, place the saucer on the cage, add some decorative rocks, stones and glass beads to the bird bowl for an elevated look and fill it with clean water.



7. Repurposed Lamp Birdbath

If you have a broken lamp that you’re looking to get rid of and you want to improvise a bit, don’t miss this chance to transform it into a beautiful bird bath to give it new life. What you need is an old lamp base that is sturdy and flat at the top. Then remove the lamp fittings and wiring, so that you’re left with just the base. Clean the base thoroughly and dry it up, and drill a hole in the center of the flattened top. Attach a bowl or shallow dish to the top of the base using a nut, bolt, and washer. Next, fill the bowl with water and add stones or pebbles.



8. Glass Bowl Birdbath

If you have a spare glass bowl you don’t use anymore, turn it into a handy birdbath that your feathered friends would enjoy. Remember to choose a glass bowl that is approximately 12 inches in diameter and 3-4 inches deep. You can use a variety of materials like a metal stand, concrete base or even a tree stump as a pedestal for your birdbath. Then, apply epoxy glue around the top rim of the pedestal, place the glass bowl upside down onto the pedestal, and then press firmly and let the glue dry completely. Last, fill the bowl with water and add some stones or pebbles to the bottom to give birds a safe place to land.



9. Upcycled Bathroom Sink Birdbath

The old sink that you want to replace in your bathroom can be turned into a beautiful bird bath. And it’s the perfect way to repurpose that sink that you’d otherwise just throw away. But you need to clean the bathroom sink thoroughly before the transformation. To make it even more unique, you can apply a coat of spray paint to the sink, covering it evenly on all sides. And don’t forget to apply the outdoor sealant to protect the paint against weathering and UV damage. Then install a birdbath fountain kit in the center of the sink and add water to the sink, filling it up to just below the fountain spout. If you want, you can put rocks or pebbles at the bottom of the sink. Turn on the bird bath fountain and enjoy watching birds come and go while they take a bath.



10. Repurposed Fountain Birdbath

If you have a fountain that no longer works but still has a basin that can hold water, then you can repurpose it into a solid birdbath. First, you need to clean the fountain with soap and water to remove any dirt or debris. Fill the basin or planter with concrete mix, add water to the concrete mix and stir with a mixing tool until it is well combined. Then, pour the mixed concrete into the basin of the fountain until it is level with the top of the basin. If possible, use the trowel to smooth out the surface of the concrete and make sure it is even. Let the concrete dry for 24-48 hours. Once the concrete is completely dry, fill the basin with water and test the fountain to make sure it works properly.

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6 Easy Steps to Clean Your Birdhouse

As bird lovers, we love to watch wild birds build their nests, lay eggs, and raise their chicks. To invite these beautiful creatures into our yards or gardens, we often hang birdhouses in strategic locations around our property. However, as much as we adore these feathered friends, we must be careful not to overlook the importance of cleaning their birdhouses. Cleaning a birdhouse is crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of the birds. In this blog, we will discuss why it is important to clean birdhouses when to clean them and how. 

Why is it Important to Clean Birdhouses?


Birds are very picky about their habitats, and they prefer clean and hygienic surroundings. A dirty or unclean birdhouse can quickly become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and parasites, which can sicken or even kill the birds living within it. The accumulation of waste materials such as feathers, feces, and leftover food can also attract unwanted pests like flies or rodents, which can harm or even eat bird eggs or chicks. This is particularly important when multiple broods are raised in a single season, as leftover debris provides an easy passageway for infections to spread. Moreover, cleaning birdhouses is the best way to ensure that they are structurally sound. Over time, birdhouses may become damaged due to harsh weather conditions or natural wear and tear. If left unchecked, these damages can make it difficult for birds to enter and exit the birdhouse safely, leaving them vulnerable to predators or injury. 



When to Clean Your Birdhouse?


Spring is the breeding season for birds, and it is essential to clean their birdhouses before this time of year. A clean birdhouse promotes good health and safety for the birds during their nesting period, as well as ensures successful breeding. You should make sure to clean the birdhouse thoroughly once a year, preferably before spring arrives. By doing so, they are providing a healthy environment for birds to breed, and they will be more likely to return to the same location in subsequent years. Wild birds don’t clean or disinfect their nests after their hatchlings fly away, and nor will they use them again. The best time to clean the birdhouse is after all the birds have fledged and left the nest after winter, so you can prepare it for the next brood. Check inside your birdhouse if there is no activity within a week (a bird box camera can be of great use to check out if the birds leave or not). If there are still birds inside, wait for another week. 



How to Clean Your Birdhouse?


Cleaning birdhouses is essential if you want to attract nesting birds. But before that, you need to put your gloves and mask on to prevent infection. The nesting materials can be filled with wastes, bacteria, mites, parasites, etc., causing respiratory problems and other health issues.

Suggested Cleaning Supplies

This list of birdhouse cleaning supplies might include but is not limited to: 

• Gloves – Use for all aspects of nest removal and cleaning

• Mask – Wear a mask or cover your face with a tissue when cleaning the birdhouse

• Brushes – To remove the old nesting material & scrub the birdhouse

• Small Bucket – Great for holding cleaning solution and soaking brushes.

• Spray Bottle – Ideal for spraying cleaning solutions

• Screwdriver and Hammer- The best tools to dissemble your birdhouse and make any repairs

• Garbage Bag – Used to contain and dispose of nesting debris and loose hinges or nails

1. Choose the Right Cleaning Solution


When it comes to cleaning birdhouses, it is essential to use the right cleaning solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals or detergents as they can be toxic to birds. Instead, opt for a mild solution of water and mild soap or vinegar. These solutions are safe, non-toxic, and effective in cleaning the birdhouse.

Boiling Water

You wash the birdhouse simply by using boiling water. If you do this, our suggestion is to use a large pot to boil the water and dunk the birdhouse directly in it to neutralize everything. While this is a chemical-free option, this won’t be the easiest approach since you have to do a few drain cycles.


Vinegar Solution

Over the years, vinegar has gained the reputation of being an all-around cleaner. It can physically remove dirt, debris, and even germs located on different surfaces. And since contains 5% acetic acid, which is known for dissolving various types of dirt, debris, and grime, it can even kill certain types of pathogens like E. Coli. You can create a vinegar disinfecting solution by mixing 80% water and 20% white vinegar. Soak the birdhouse for about 10 minutes minimum to maximize the effect. Once the disinfection is finished, rinse the birdhouse with water. 


Bleach Solution

It’s your absolute best option to really disinfect your nest boxes. The general formula for making a bleach solution for cleaning birdhouses is to mix 1-part bleach with 9 parts water. Stir the mixture well and pour the bleach solution into a spray bottle. You can apply the solution onto the birdhouse surfaces and leave it there for 5-10 minutes before washing it away. Since bleach is an abrasive chemical, always follow the instructions on the label and wear rubber gloves and eye protection.



2. Disassemble the Birdhouse


To properly clean the birdhouse, you need to disassemble it first. Remove any screws or nails holding the birdhouse together, which may require a hammer or screwdriver. Then carefully detach any glued or fastened parts using pliers. When disassembling the birdhouse, always remember to wear protective gear such as gloves and safety goggles. But if your birdhouse has a swinging side, a hinged roof or a removable front for easy access, you can unscrew these parts for thorough cleaning.



3. Remove the Old Nesting Material


Once you have your cleaning solution and disassembled panels ready, you should the old nesting material from the birdhouse. It’s an essential task that should be done after each brood, provided that old nesting material can harbor harmful parasites, bacteria, and fungi, which can be detrimental to the health of birds. You can use a long-handled brush or scraper to get rid of any debris or leftover food that may have accumulated inside the house. Once you have removed the bulk of the waste, use a used toothbrush to get into corners and crevices. If there is any stubborn debris that won’t come off, use a damp cloth to gently wipe them away. Most importantly, you should collect all the old nesting material in a sealed plastic bag and dispose of it in the trash.



4. Scrub the Birdhouse


After removing the old nesting material, it’s time to scrub the birdhouse with your cleaning solution. Dip a cleaning brush or sponge into the solution and gently scrub the interior walls, floor, and roof of the birdhouse. Be sure to clean all corners and crevices thoroughly, as this is where bacteria and parasites tend to accumulate. Don’t forget to scrub the entrance hole and drainage and ventilation holes to remove all debris and contamination.

5. Rinse and Dry


Once you have finished the scrubbing, rinse it thoroughly with clean water for several minutes. A thorough rinse will remove most of the cleaning solution and any dirt left in your birdhouse. If you are using the bleach solution, you should keep rinsing the birdhouse for at least 5 minutes to get most of the bleach traces off. After that, let the birdhouse dry in the sun for several hours to ensure that no water is inside. This will break down any bleach leftover and prevent the growth of mold and mildew. 



6. Inspect the Birdhouse, Repair & Reassemble


After the birdhouse is clean and dry, give it a thorough inspection. Examine the hinges for any loose screws, damaged or broken parts, or signs of wear and tear. Apply wood glue to any cracked or damaged areas of the hinges or replace them with new ones. If nails are sticking out, pound them back into place or remove them with a hammer. Moreover, sand down any sharp edges you find, which could be dangerous for hatchlings. Also, take a minute to inspect your birdhouse’s drainage and ventilation holes. If needed, you can drill extra holes for extra ventilation. After the inspection, reassemble the birdhouse and make sure every part is tightly secured. Before you reattach the birdhouse to its mounting or post, you should remove any lingering pests or debris from the post. 

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How to Set Up a Bird Box Camera for Birdwatching?

Watching the birds through your window is great but capturing their visits is even better. If you want to get a closer look at the birds in your garden, installing a bird box camera will help you record all the comings and goings inside with as little disturbance as possible. The bird box camera allows you to get a sneak peek at their daily routines like nest building and gain a deeper understanding of the local birds and other wildlife. The live stream captured by the bird box camera can be viewed on your smartphone and shared with family and friends.

What is a Bird Box Camera?


The bird box camera is a mini camera installed inside a birdhouse that helps to record visual images of its inhabitants. It’s usually made in a small size, making it perfect for fitting into any standard-sized nest box to observe various kinds of wildlife. And it often comes with infrared LEDs to provide night vision for 24/7 continuous recording without disrupting the activities of the birds. Nowadays, bird box cameras have become increasingly popular among bird enthusiasts, conservationists, and researchers as they provide a unique opportunity to observe birds in their natural habitat without disturbing them. They can be entertaining to watch, especially for individuals who are passionate about birds but cannot venture outside due to various reasons.

Basically, most bird box cameras available on the market are IP cameras, which means they can send and receive the footage over an IP network. By installing an app on your phone or tablet, you can watch the video remotely from the comfort of your home at any time via a network connection. Some bird box cameras are connected to the Internet through a wired connection while others can operate wirelessly. And this difference divides them into Wired and WiFi bird box cameras. For wired bird box cameras, the signals are transmitted via an Ethernet cable (usually PoE), while the WiFi bird box cameras can connect to your router wirelessly.

How to Set Up a WiFi Bird Box Camera?


Setting up a bird box camera may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be a fun and rewarding project. Here are the steps to follow for setting up a bird box camera for birdwatching:

Step 1: Test the Camera and WiFi Signal

Before installing the WiFi bird box camera in your birdhouse, you should test the camera in advance. Keep it running overnight to see if it’s functioning flawlessly. And you also need to verify the WiFi signal on the installation site. Check the distance between the camera and router before you install the camera into the birdhouse and make sure you are receiving a good signal. Since the bird box camera only works with 2.4 GHz bands, if you’re using a dual-band router, split the network in advance.

Step 2: Connect the Bird Box Camera to Your Smartphone

Follow the procedures to add your bird box camera to your smartphone.

1) Register an Account

First, you need to download ICSee. Tap ‘Sign Up’ to create an account, enter your email address, then the verification code, and lastly set a password (optional). If you have already signed up then skip this step.

2) Add the Camera to the App

Log into your account and click the ‘+’ button at the top right of the screen to select the model you are setting up. Rest your camera by pressing and holding the reset button for 3 seconds. Then the app will display a QR code to you. Point the bird box camera directly facing the screen, and then the connection will begin. After a minute or so, the bird box camera will be connected and added to the system.

Step 3: Install the Bird Box Camera into the Birdhouse

This step will show you how to mount the camera into the birdhouse.

1) Mount the Camera into the Birdhouse

Install the mounting bracket on the roof of the birdhouse and secure the bird box camera on it with some short screws. Next, run the cable through the slot at the edge of the birdhouse and secure it to the outside of the box with small clips or staples.

2) Power the Camera Up

Next, you need to power the camera up. You can run the power cable from your house or outdoor power socket to the camera and connect it up. If the bird box camera is installed far away, you can use a DC extension cable, but remember to bury the cable under the ground so it won’t get chewed by the rodents. Or you can power the bird box camera with rechargeable batteries but you need to change the batteries every 4-5 days.

3) Adjust the Focus and Boost the Lighting

After the bird box camera is successfully installed, you should adjust the focus by twisting the lens clockwise and counter-clockwise until you get a clear image. However, the lighting inside the birdhouse can sometimes be very frustrating. To address this, you can install a daytime LED lamp in the birdhouse or even better you can purchase a bird box camera that has daytime LEDs.

Step 4: View and Record the Footage

This guide will show you how to play back the recordings on your WiFi bird box camera.

– Open ICSee and load your camera’s live view.

– Next, click the Playback button near the bottom of the screen and press Video. At the top, you have the live videos currently playing, below you’ll have the recordings of different times.

– If your bird box camera is set to motion recording, you’ll see a series of red lines, and each of these lines is a motion-activated recording. But if the camera is set to continuous recording, you will see a solid blue line on the timeline, but you can navigate the footage using the left and right arrows to skip back and forth.

– To view recordings from another day, click on the date below the timeline, and you can change to another day and watch the recordings from it.



Step 5: Stream the Bird Box Camera to YouTube

Now, follow the tutorial below to set up the live stream. 

1) Before You Begin

Install the OBS Studio on your computer to stream the video from your bird box camera to YouTube. Please be aware that OBS Studio can only stream one camera at a time. Then register a YouTube account if you don’t have one. Once the registration is complete, you can create a channel and go live. 



2) Find Your Bird Box Camera’s IP address

To access your WiFi bird box camera in the OBS Studio, you need to find out the IP address of your camera. And there are two ways to do so: 1) using ONVIF Device Manager (available on Windows only) and 2) using the VMS (Windows or Mac).

In the first method, you need to install the ONVIF Device Manager on your PC, open it, click the camera entry in the ‘Device List’ and then click ‘Live Video’ under ‘NVT’. As long as your bird box camera and the program are connected to the same network, the correct IP address & RTSP stream will be displayed.

For Mac users, you can find the IP address by using the program VMS. Once you have the program installed, you need to open it, go to Device Manage, click IPV4 search, and then the IP address of your bird box camera will pop up in the box. Add it to your system as shown in the video. It will look something like 192.168.1.100, but each camera has its own IP address.



3) Convert the IP Address to RTSP Stream

Now you need to convert the IP address into an RTSP stream. You can use this link directly:

rtsp://x.x.x.x:554/user=admin&password=&channel=1&stream=0.sdp?real_stream

‘x.x.x.x’ represents the IP address of the camera. In this case, the IP address is 192.168.0.112, so you need to convert it to:

rtsp:/192.168.0.112:554/user=admin&password=&channel=1&stream=0.sdp?real_stream

If you set the password on the bird box camera as abc123, the RTSP stream should be:

rtsp://192.168.0.112:554/user=admin&password=abc123&channel=1&stream=0.sdp?real_stream

4) Copy the RSTP Stream to the OBS Studio

Now that you have the RSTP stream of your bird box camera, open OBS Studio. Under the Sources, click the + button, choose ‘Media Source’ and set a name for the stream. Untick the ‘Local File’, paste your RSTP stream into the input box, click OK and then you can see the video from your bird box camera on the OBS Studio. 

5) Stream the Bird Box Camera to YouTube

Now open YouTube and go to ‘Live Control Room’. Create a new stream, make it public, add a description and click ‘Create Stream’. The ‘Stream setup help’ window will appear if this is your first time here. Click the Copy button next to ‘Stream Key’ to copy it, then go back to the OBS Studio. In the OBS Studio, go to File > Settings > Stream. Click OK, then select ‘Start Streaming’ at the bottom right of the screen and your live stream will start. 

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Birdhouse 101: Why Entrance Size Matters?

Birdhouses come in various sizes and features, but one factor that is often overlooked is the entrance hole size. The size of the entrance hole can influence which bird species use the house and provide protection to the inhabitants from predators. Moreover, the size of the entrance hole dictates the type of birds that can enter the birdhouse. Different bird species have different preferences when it comes to entrance hole size. It’s noteworthy that cavity-nesting birds generally prefer a smaller entrance hole size. Therefore, it’s important to select the right size for the bird species you’re hoping to attract.

Why Entrance Size Matters?


To make birds feel welcome, safe and comfortable in a birdhouse, the entrance size is critical. A smaller entrance hole will attract smaller birds, while a larger hole will attract larger birds. For example, a wren, titmouse, or chickadee will fit into a hole that is 1.125 inches in diameter, while a bluebird or tree swallow requires an entrance hole of 1.5 inches. If the entrance hole is too big, it allows predators like squirrels, raccoons, or snakes to attack eggs, nestlings and adult birds. Often, larger birds of prey like hawks and owls look for larger entrance holes when hunting. Therefore, to protect the bird family, it’s essential to select the appropriate hole size for the desired bird species.

Furthermore, choosing the right entrance hole size will ultimately play an important role in promoting bird conservation and creating a safe habitat for nesting birds. The entrance size is critical when trying to deter invasive species like the House Sparrow. The House Sparrow is an aggressive bird species that invade the nests of other birds, breaks their eggs, destroys their nests, or kills the nestlings. With their sharp beaks, they can easily enlarge holes to gain access to nests meant for other bird species. By selecting an entrance hole size that suits the desired bird species and keeping the hole at the appropriate size, it makes it more difficult for invasive species to enter, reducing the risk of predator intrusion.



How to Select the Right Hole Size?


Different bird species require specific entrance hole sizes, and the size of the hole is vital for the safety of the nesting birds. It’s essential to keep in mind that the hole size should also be adjusted based on the bird species’ requirements.

One of the important considerations when selecting the hole size of a birdhouse is the body size of the bird. Smaller birds can slip through smaller holes more easily than larger birds. Consequently, they have a better chance of fitting into the birdhouse, making it a suitable home. Additionally, birds with specialized beaks like the sapsucker require specific hole sizes to enter comfortably. However, open nesting birds such as robins, blackbirds, and thrushes construct their nests in open spaces, on branches, and shrubs. As a result, they are not as dependent on entrance hole size. What’s more, the entrance size should be appropriate for the weather conditions in your area. If you live in a region with heavy rainfall or strong winds, a smaller entrance might be better to keep the birdhouse dry and stable.



Round or Slot Entrance?


The birdhouse entrance doesn’t only vary in size but also shape. A round entrance is the most traditional type adopted in birdhouse design. It’s a circular hole, usually located near the top of the front panel. It’s suitable for a broad range of cavity-nesting birds, including sparrows, wrens, and bluebirds, while deterring large bird species like woodpeckers from entering the birdhouse. Statics show birds nesting in round-hole boxes produce significantly more eggs and have better fledging success. On the other hand, the slot entrance is a narrow rectangular opening neatly cut into the front panel of the birdhouse. It’s said to attract bluebirds while deterring competitor birds like House Sparrows. The slot entrance is also easier to make, as it does not require drilling a hole. But it can expose the nest to more predators, making it easier for them to reach in and attack the chicks. Moreover, it can create excess heat in the birdhouse during hot weather, which is unfavorable for young birds.



How to Resize a Birdhouse’s Entrance?

Most ready-to-make birdhouses normally have a predrilled hole that doesn’t necessarily match the optimum size of the birds you want to nest in your garden. To resize a birdhouse entrance, you’ll need a few tools and some basic woodworking skills.

If your birdhouse has an oversized entry hole, there are basically three solutions to make the adjustments.

Solution One: Cover Plates

The most direct method is to cover the original entry with a cover plate. Make sure the plate should is made of sturdy material like stainless steel and thick plastic, that can resist chewing, gnawing, or scratches. Cover plates usually come in dimensions like 28mm, 32mm, 35mm, etc. You should choose the proper dimensions for the birds that use the birdhouse. The cover plate should be screwed or nailed in place so it won’t fall off over time. And before you attach it to the birdhouse, smooth the rough edges around the hole’s rim so it will not injure the birds as they move in and out.



Solution Two: Hole Extenders

Adding a hole extender to create a small tunnel leading into the birdhouse is also a great way to narrow an enlarged entrance. The hole extender is a usually tube-shaped predator guard that fits around the entrance to extend the hole while discouraging predators from entering the birdhouse. Moreover, it also provides extra shelter from the weather. It is easy to attach it to the front of the house over the existing hole, just as a cover plate is attached. Although it is a less expensive form of predator protection and can be effective against predatory mammals, it does not protect against snakes.



Solution Three: New Panel with a New Entrance Hole

If the entrance hole is severely damaged and there’s no way to attach a predator guard to the birdhouse, it may be best to replace the entire front panel of the house. Then, you can crave an ideal entrance hole out of it. But you need to make sure the front panel is secure and not suffering from any cracks. A thick and sturdy front panel can also provide extra protection for nesting birds in bad weather.

But if the entrance hole is too small, you can also follow the instructions here to fix it:

Step 1: Determine the desired entrance hole size

Before you start resizing the entrance hole, you need to know the desired size for the bird species you are trying to attract. You can look up the specific bird you want to attract and find out its preferred entrance hole size.

Step 2: Measure the existing entrance hole

Use a ruler or tape measure to measure the diameter of the existing entrance hole. This will determine how much you need to cut out to resize the entrance.

Step 3: Mark the new entrance hole diameter

Using the measurements from step 1, place a piece of tape over the existing hole and mark the new hole on the tape. This will allow you to adjust the size until you are satisfied.

Step 4: Cut out the new entrance hole

Using a drill with a hole saw attachment, carefully cut out the new entrance hole. After cutting out the new entrance hole, use sandpaper to smooth the edges of the hole. This will prevent any splinters or rough edges that could injure the birds.

Step 5: Clean the birdhouse

Before putting the birdhouse back up, clean it thoroughly, which will ensure the birdhouse is free from any debris or bacteria that could harm the birds.

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How to Protect Baby Birds from Predators?

Spring is the most critical time when birds are meeting with their mates, lay eggs, and raise young birds. However, predators are an enormous threat to birds in nesting season. Helping birds prepare for the new nesting season is what every homeowner should do as they invite birds to their gardens. In this article, we’re now going to talk about a couple of the best ways on how to protect baby birds from predators.

Who are the Predators?

Baby birds are some of the most vulnerable creatures in the animal kingdom. They are completely dependent on their parents for food, warmth, and protection. Unfortunately, there are many predators that prey on baby birds, making their survival a constant challenge. Creatures that predate a birdhouse include:

1.Snakes – Snakes are definitely the expert in hunting bird eggs and hatchlings. They can slither into nests, swallow whole eggs, or coil around chicks and squeeze them to death. Moreover, snakes can also climb trees and walls, making them a threat to birds nesting at different heights.


2. Cats – Domestic and feral cats are notorious for hunting birds and their nests. Even well-fed house cats are natural hunters and can’t resist the urge to chase and capture birds. Baby birds that leave the nest prematurely or fall out of it are particularly vulnerable to cat attacks. A single cat can kill dozens of birds in a season, making them a significant factor in the decline of bird populations.


3. Raccoons – Raccoons are opportunistic predators that will raid bird nests to feed on the eggs or young chicks. Nest predators like raccoons are particularly dangerous because they can wipe out an entire brood in one attack. Some predators can even smell the eggs or chicks from a distance and dig them out from under leaves or debris.


4. Hawks and Owls – These birds of prey often hunt baby birds in the nests or catch them when they first start to learn how to fly. They have sharp talons and beaks that can easily snatch a young bird from the ground or out of the air. They usually target smaller songbirds, but they can also take down larger birds like ducks and pigeons.


5. Other Mammals – Other mammals may also prey on baby birds if they get the chance. Believe it or not, squirrels are the critical predators of cavity-nesting fowl eggs and young. They will climb up to bird nests and steal eggs or kill baby birds.


How to Protect Baby Birds from Predators?

Here, we have listed the most effective way to increase baby birds’ survival from potential predators and guard your feathered friends.

1. Relocate Your Nest Box

Most murders take place in the birdhouse – predators like cats, snakes, and raccoons can pose a significant threat to baby birds in the nest box. So you need to choose the right location for your nest box. The location of your nest box will play a significant role in the safety and well-being of the baby birds. Try to choose a location that is not easily accessible to predators, such as cats or raccoons. Make sure the box is at least 6-8 feet off the ground, away from tree branches or other structures that may provide an easy jumping point.


2. Install a Predator Guard

Another way to safeguard your nest box is to install a predator guard. This is a device that makes it difficult for predators to climb or jump onto the nest box. Guards can be made from wire mesh or PVC pipe and should extend at least two feet above the nest box. You can also install metal baffles both above and below the birdhouse to minimize predator intrusion. Moreover, considering that predators can also chew their way through wooden entrance holes in nest boxes, to prevent this, install a metal entrance hole restrictor that only allows birds of the appropriate size to enter. These protectors can be purchased or made from sheet metal to prevent larger birds from using the house, either as predators or to usurp the nesting site.


3. Remove the Perches from Birdhouse

Removing perches from birdhouses can discourage predators and other unwanted visitors from entering and occupying the birdhouse. Perches can also provide a convenient landing spot for larger birds or squirrels, making it easier for them to enter and take over the birdhouse. By removing the perches, smaller birds are still able to enter and use the birdhouse while larger animals are deterred from taking over the space. And you’ll make it more difficult for them to access birds or eggs inside the house.


4. Clean the Area Around the Nest

One way to prevent predators from reaching the baby birds is to keep the area around the nest clean. This will deter snakes from approaching the area, as they prefer to hide in cluttered spaces. So, it is advisable to remove all debris, leaf litter, and other materials surrounding the nest. Regularly cleaning the surrounding area of the bird’s nesting place can reduce the chances of rodents that may prey on the eggs or the young birds. Additionally, tree branches that grow too close to the birdhouse can also be dangerous, which can provide easy access to predators like cats, squirrels or other predatory birds like magpies and crows. Therefore, trimming such branches can significantly reduce the threat of predators.


5. Use Predator Repellents

Using some predator repellents is another effective way to deter predators from baby birds. Birds do not have a keen sense of smell or taste and are not deterred by the products, but predators are. There are various natural repellents available that can be used to keep them away from the area where the baby birds live. These repellents work by emitting a scent that is unpleasant to snakes, and they avoid the area altogether. Some effective natural repellents include cinnamon oil, clove oil, and cedar oil. Hot pepper sprays or other products with a strong smell and taste can be applied around the aviary entrance to deter predators. For better protection, also use these products on poles, nearby plants or on the roof of the house, wherever predators can get close to the house.


6. Keep Cats Indoors

Cats should be supervised when outdoors during the nesting season especially since young birds leave their nest several days before they can fly, making them easy targets for curious pets. If they do go outside, put a bell collar on them as a warning to birds, or try to avoid letting them out during peak bird feeding time. Stray cats are especially dangerous to birds in the spring when fledglings are on the ground, so do not feed or they might linger in your yard and prey on birds. And try to keep your yard free of ambush sites where those naughty fellas can hide to attack.



Final Words


Baby birds are very vulnerable and it is our responsibility to protect these vulnerable creatures. Choosing the right location, installing a predator guard, clearing the surrounding area, etc., are all essential steps to protect baby birds from predators. By following these strategies, you can create a safe and secure environment for birds to nest and thrive.

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7 Tips for Feeding Garden Birds in Spring

Spring is a particularly wonderful time for bird watching – the bay birds are about to arrive! You have probably noticed the increase in bird activity in your neighborhood. In spring, not only the year-round resident birds are visiting your feeders, but our long-awaited migratory birds are also busy fattening up before heading to their breeding grounds. You don’t need to feed the birds year-round, but bird feeding is most helpful at times when the birds need the most energy, such as the migration, early spring, etc. We have summarized 7 tips to help you feed the lovely feathered creatures in your garden.

1. Choose Appropriate Feeders


To attract the greatest variety of birds to your garden, the best way is to provide several feeders and offer a variety of food. In order to decide on suitable bird feeders, you need to research the types of birds in your area. The ideal bird feeder is sturdy enough to withstand extreme weather, tight enough to keep seeds dry, and most importantly, easy to assemble and keep clean. Here are the most common bird feeders:

1) Tray Feeder

This is the simplest type of bird feeder. Any seeds, fruits, peanuts, shell worms, small suet nuggets, etc., whatever you have can be placed on it. The tray feeder attracts the widest variety of seed-eating birds, including pigeons, starlings, and house sparrows, but grosbeaks and native sparrows. But most tray feeders offer no protection against rain and snow, and no excellent drainage, so seeds may become wet and fungi and bacteria may thrive. You should use a tray feeder that has a screened, rather than solid, bottom to promote complete drainage.



2) Hopper Feeder

The hopper or ‘house’ feeder attracts finches, bluejays, cardinals, sparrows, chickadees, and titmice most. The hopper can hold the seeds for days! It can hold a large amount of food like sunflower seeds to ensure that birds have a constant food supply. The container is closed, which protects seeds from rain and bird droppings, so the foods are kept clean and sanitary. And it’s also a really good option to fend off predators, like squirrels. The hopper feeder is usually mounted on a pole.



3) Tube Feeder

If smaller birds are your favorites, this is an excellent choice. It’s a kind of cylindrical feeder that has tiny feeding holes to accommodate smaller seeds, such as Nyjer. The tube feeder often has small perches above the feeding ports from which the birds can feed hanging upside down. It attracts smaller birds such as finches, titmice, and chickadees while excluding large species such as grackles and jays.



4) Suet Feeder

The suet feeder is normally constructed of wire or plastic mesh and can be nailed or tied to a tree trunk. Suet is made from animal fat can be easily digested and metabolized by many birds, and because of its high calories, it can provide them with the energy they need to cope with harsh weather, while the suet mixtures usually consist of suet and other ingredients like peanut butter, seed, and cracked corn. Suet feeders often attract a variety of woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches, wrens, thrushes, creepers, and thrashers.



2. Offer a Variety of Seeds


Springtime is when birds are most active. A wide variety of colorful songbirds are coming back home. They have exerted a lot of energy during their migrations and will need to refuel before starting breeding. But keeping in mind that birds have their preferences, the feeding of birds is not a one-size-fits-all table spread.

1) Sunflower Seeds

All types of sunflower seeds are great for backyard birds, and they fit well in a variety of feeders. Black oil sunflower seeds are the most common bird seeds. They have very thin shells, easy for virtually all seed-eating birds to crack open, and they have a high-fat content, extremely valuable for migratory birds. They are most favored by chickadees, house sparrows, blue jays, cardinals, woodpeckers, pigeons, and goldfinches.



2) Nyjer Seeds

Nyjer seeds are one of the most popular bird seeds for goldfinch, purple finch, red bird, pine tit, and quail. These seeds are especially rich in oil and many Nyjer-loving birds are also called clingy birds because of their habit of clinging to the sides of feeders and feeding upside down. However, due to their small size, Nyjer seeds can be easily spilled or blown away by the wind. Mesh tube feeders are best for this expensive seed.



3) Suet

Suet is the year-round favorite of woodpeckers, but other birds like tanagers, warblers, thrushes, and kinglets also enjoy this energetic treat in spring. It is generally made from rendered animal fat which is easily digested and metabolized by many birds, while the suet cake is made from suet or a thick substitute mixed with other ingredients, such as corn meal, peanuts, fruits, or even dried insects.



4) Fruit

Fruit such as grapes, apples, pears, and berries is a good food source for garden birds in the spring, particularly for ground-feeding birds. Birds will happily eat those that have over-ripened or even the damaged ones that we might not eat. The most familiar birds that regularly eat fruit include grosbeaks, robins, orioles, thrashers, waxwings, and tanagers. But remember to remove any pesticides on the skin, cut it up into small chunks, and put it in a ground feeder or a suet cage. Since fruit is also appealing to squirrels, raccoons, and other animals, certain baffles and guards might be needed.



3. Place the Feeders on Different Levels


Many birds will feed at more than one level, but some species have preferences. Mourning doves, sparrows, juncos, and towhees typically feed on the ground level, while finches and cardinals feel more conformable with the table level, like in the shrubs, while chickadees, titmice, and woodpeckers would love hanging feeders that are hung at least 5 feet above the ground. And other species like woodpeckers, nuthatches, and wrens usually feed in trees. To attract the widest variety of species, you can put your feeders at an appropriate level to attract specific kinds of birds you would like to observe.



4. Avoid Window Collision


Every year, approximately one billion birds die from crashing into windows. Bird collisions with windows are very common, especially when a feeder is in the wrong place. The most dangerous place to place a bird feeder is 15 to 30 feet from a window, where collisions are more likely. Actually, putting a window bird feeder could not cause any harm since it is close enough to the glass that the birds can’t catch enough speed to do any damage when they fly away. On the opposite, you can protect birds from collisions by placing feeders within three feet of windows. Window feeders are beneficial because they allow you to see birds up close without startling them, and notice when the bird feeder needs to be refilled.



5. Discourage Squirrels from Bird Feeders


Squirrel infestation is always a headache for birdwatchers for it’s always challenging to deter these formidable enemies without reducing the attractiveness of a bird feeder. One of the most effective ways to discourage squirrels is to relocate your bird feeders and hang your feeders on a metal pole in an open area at a relatively high level away from trees, roofs, etc. Or use a squirrel baffle to deter those greedy gobblers. Another trick is to choose your bird seeds wisely. Squirrels are less attracted to nyjer and safflower seeds for their bitter tastes. And they detest any strong flavor like peppers, so you can blend some dehydrated cayenne peppers or other similar spices into the bird seed.



6. Keep Predators at Bay


Keep cats indoors as much as possible. If they do go outside, put a bell collar on them as a warning to birds, or try to avoid letting them out during peak bird feeding time. Stray cats are especially dangerous to birds in the spring when fledglings are on the ground. So do not feed or they might linger in your yard and prey on birds. To protect birds from becoming prey, try adding wire fencing around the feeder. Small birds will still be able to get through it, but larger predators will be kept at bay. And remember to use feeders without perches because perches on feeders can act like handles for squirrels or raccoons, or landing spots for hawks.



7. Provide Water Source


Water features are another great way to make your backyard more attractive to nesting birds. Though the majority of birds can get enough hydration from food, they still need fresh water for drinking and bathing. A basic birdbath is fine, and you can use a birdbath fountain as well, not just for the water, but for the sound of splashing that attracts more birds. During the summer, it’s important to empty and refill water basins every 2-3 days. This keeps you from being bitten by insects and helps prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. In addition, it’s strongly discouraged to use a heated bath or chemicals to dissolve the ice in cold weather, because warm bathing and defrosting chemicals will only put your little friends at risk of hypothermia. And you need to place the birdbath about 10 feet from shrubs or other covers that predators may use.

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3 Simple Ways to Power Your Bird Box Camera

Bird box cameras provide a discreet way to watch wild birds in your backyard. It offers you an amazing insight into their world from the comfort of your home. In the previous articles, we have covered a lot on how to install the bird box camera properly, like where to put out the birdhouse and how to waterproof the camera, but a question that is rarely discussed is how to power the bird box camera. Therefore, in today’s post, we will introduce 3 simple ways to power your bird box camera, which can apply to different circumstances.

1. DC12V Power Adapter


If you have a power outlet located anywhere near the birdhouse, this would be the easiest way. Mains power can provide a steady and constant power supply for bird box cameras, and there are two types of electrical current, AC and DC. The AC current flows in back and forth alternating directions, the one that travels through power lines and comes through the power outlets, while the DC current flows in the same direction, often found in power sources like batteries and solar panels. DC power has a relatively constant voltage for electrons to flow through and is widely used in residential loads.

Therefore, to power the bird box camera, you’ll need a DC12V power adapter to convert the AC currents to the low-voltage DC power that the low-power device can accept. If you own a large property or if there’s no existing power outlet on the installation site, you can run a DC12V extension cable to your birdhouse, but it should be waterproof and well-protected (buried underground or laid in the conduit) so it won’t get chewed up by the rodents.

2. Rechargeable Batteries


Batteries are a perfect solution for a wire-free bird box camera system. It’s highly portable and used even without an outlet. A ideal solution if you don’t want to repeatedly invest in a wired connection every time the camera is relocated. In addition, using rechargeable batteries in your bird box camera can help save on inventory for batteries. But you’ll need to recharge the battery every 4-5 days before the battery runs out. And a 12V battery cable will be needed to charge your bird box camera with the rechargeable battery. To withstand conditions in even the most extreme environments, the battery must be protected in a waterproof casing to keep it safe.

Your budget and needs decide which type of battery you choose. A large battery capacity will be highly appreciated. And the most commonly used batteries available in the market are lead-acid and lithium-ion. The biggest advantage of the lead-acid battery is it’s relatively cheaper than an off-grid extension system. It provides a stable output over a long period and is widely installed in rural and remote areas. But it’s bulky and heavy and it’ll take up a lot of space. On the other hand, the lithium-ion battery stores more energy than a lead-acid battery, and it has a longer lifespan and charge cycles. But its major downside is that it’s twice as expensive as the lead-acid battery.

3. Solar Power System


Clean and renewable solar energy is the best alternative for powering the bird box camera as it minimizes overall running costs and carbon emissions. It’s an ideal solution if you get a lot of sunshine or if you want to install the camera in the woods where you can get the most authentic image of the local wildlife and create a hassle-free birdwatching system. And there are 3 basic components in the solar power system: solar panel, battery and charge controller.


Solar Panel

The solar panel absorbs the energy from the sunlight and converts it into electrical power. To power the bird box camera, you should choose a solar panel that has a higher power rate. Monocrystalline solar panels provide the highest productivity but they’re more expensive; polycrystalline solar panels are cheaper but their efficiency is not consistent. And it should produce a DC12V supply for direct battery charging and the DC load can be directly connected through it via the charge controller. Some birders may have their solar panels built on the top of the birdhouse, but doing so can give rise to fire hazards.


Battery

Batteries are used for backup storage. It stores solar power generated during the daytime and discharges it at night. As previously discussed, the battery you choose should have a large capacity. The lifespan and charge/discharge cycles of the battery should also be considered. Since batteries degrade as they are used, their capacity deteriorates over time. Gel batteries can store and deliver peak power for as many as 500 to 5000 cycles, while the lithium batteries can be cycled up to 200 times. Moreover, the ambient working temperature of the battery is also a crucial factor that shouldn’t be overlooked since there’s a huge temperature difference between day and night in the wilderness.


Solar Charge Controller

A solar charge controller is a device used to regulate the voltage and current coming from the solar panel. The main purpose of the charge controller is to prevent the battery from being overcharged by the solar panel since a 12V solar panel can provide 17-20V when it is in full sunlight. And there are two main types of charge controllers: PWM and MPPT. The PWM is usually used for low-power devices like the bird box camera (12V) where only one or two solar panels are connected, while the MPPT is normally used in high-power systems where more solar panels are deployed. And the PWM charge controller works best with the battery voltage. The ideal setup with many PWMs is with a 12V solar panel and 12V battery.

How to Set Up the Solar Power System?


First of all, you have to calculate your power load. You need to figure out how much energy your solar panel can produce, and you need to know the amount of peak sunlight hours the location gets. The bird box camera consumes about 135mA, so you’ll need a 60W solar panel and a 20AH DC12V rechargeable battery.

Then, place the solar panel in a location where it will not be in the shade because shading even a small part of the panel can result in low power generation. So the solar panel should be wired out to the edge of the woods and aimed up to the sun.

The first connection will be connecting the charge controller to the solar panel. The second connection is pairing the battery with the controller. The last connection is connecting the controller to the direct DC load, namely your bird box camera. And be aware: you can’t charge the camera directly with the battery because the voltage will rise up to 18V when it’s being charged by the solar panel. Since there’s no regulator inside the battery, the bird box camera can easily get damaged.

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Bird Box Camera: Get a Better Lighting for a Best View

With the invention of bird box cameras, many birders and birdwatchers can now enjoy bird watching from the comfort of their homes. Green Backyard has developed different models that can be viewed on your smartphone, tablet, and PC to allow you to observe wildlife 24/7. Image quality is crucial in delivering a satisfactory birdwatching experience, but it’s rarely known that lighting can significantly influence the final result of your videos.

Challenging Day Light for Recording


The most important variable in wildlife shooting is lighting. When the bird box camera works in good light, you will get the richest colors and the birds will look more striking than usual with the most realistic color reproduction. Although birds have both light and dark parts, it can be difficult to expose the darker parts without overexposing the light parts, so these birds are sometimes better exposed to ambient light. Direct sunlight renders feather detail better than indirect or artificial light. But in general, nest boxes are usually placed in a shady spot out of direct sunlight so as to last longer, but this can create unpleasant shadows and lead to poor lighting conditions. A lot of nature photography is all about waiting for the right light, and that’s especially true with birds. However, on days with plenty of cloud cover, you’ll start to struggle since the nest box itself will become dark inside.

Daytime LEDs


Lighting is crucial to create a successful image. To deliver better image quality and add some natural lighting to your bird box in low-light conditions, our wireless bird box camera is equipped with daytime LEDs which are fully controllable via the app. They can be scheduled to run in specific periods or manually turned on/off when needed. Since the daytime LEDs can be configured to only operate during the day, they won’t disturb the birds. Compared with the daylight LED lamp, which normally needs a separate power supply, the daytime LEDs are built inside the bird box camera, so there is no need to run a separate power cord across your backyard, which makes it safer in outdoor applications. To adjust the brightness, you can also cover some of the illuminators with filters to diffuse the lighting. Please be aware that the daytime LEDs are limited to daytime use only, and not applicable to nocturnal animals.



Dim the Lights for Birds at Night


Artificial light can be biologically disruptive to a bird’s health. It disturbs most of the natural activity rhythms of birds and affects their seasonal activity patterns altogether. Long-term exposure to white light at night can jeopardize their breeding success and sleep physiology. For example, under the influence of artificial light at night, blackbirds breed up to a month earlier. Although daytime LEDs come in handy in delivering decent image quality, they’re reported to have important ecological and evolutionary consequences on wildlife of all kinds. Therefore, you should only use infrared LEDs for illumination at night, especially when you’re watching nocturnal birds like barred owls, nightjars, common nighthawks, etc., and other wildlife like hedgehogs and bats.



Low Glow or No Glow?


There are two main types of flash available in night-vision wildlife cameras: low glow (red glow) and no glow. Low-glow LEDs, also known as 850nm after the spectrum of light they use, are one of the most common LEDs used in wildlife recording. Although the light they emit is invisible, when the night vision is triggered, you would see a faint red glow from the LEDs. The red glow is generally faint but can still be seen when looking directly at the camera, which can scare most wild game away. The 850nm infrared spectrum is closer to visible light, giving you a better range of infrared flash and making it easier for you to spot wildlife at a greater distance. It gives you about 30% more IR light compared to its counterpart, so you’ll get better results at nighttime recording. Therefore, the nesting birds can be captured with greater clarity and the definition on night videos is also much better.

No-glow cameras simply do not display light when recording at night. Bird species have similar sensitivity to IR light as humans so they can see the low-glow but not the no-glow. And since these no-glow LEDs do not give off the red glow when triggered, they are almost completely invisible to most bird species. But this advantage however comes with a major setback. They lose around 30% of the IR light as compared to the low-glow LEDs. The image will be a bit blurry and grainy since these IR LEDs adopt an infrared spectrum of 940nm. Moreover, most no-glow LEDs have a limited infrared range, but given that the bird box camera is normally used in enclosures like nest boxes, the distance will not be a problem. Since birds can be easily startled by flashes and noises, to target such wildlife scared easily by a red glow, the no-glow LEDs are obviously a better choice.

Infrared LEDs

Apart from the daytime LEDs, our wireless bird box camera is also equipped with invisible infrared LEDs to record the nesting birds at night to secure 24/7 recording without spooking the birds. It has a sensitive ICR auto-switch to configure the camera automatically turn on the infrared LEDs in low-light conditions and switch off the daytime LEDs. Moreover, the night vision can be manually turned on and off via the app and can even be scheduled to work in certain periods to capture amazing close-up views of the wild birds. It can produce pin-sharp black-and-white images at night.



Wireless Bird Box Camera – Dual Lighting


This wireless bird box camera is designed with a rugged build that offers extra durability in a variety of settings, giving you peace of mind in outdoor applications and more flexibility on placement. The resolution is at 3MP and so will give a you reasonably good high-definition picture. This wireless bird box camera is equipped with both daytime and infrared LEDs to provide a clear view all day. A highly sensitive microphone (7000 Hz) is also incorporated so you can hear every cheep and ruffle inside the birdhouse. Equipped with a wide-angle lens, it yields a 120-degree angle range to give you the best possible perspective inside the birdhouse. Once connected to the network, this bird box camera will automatically record and stream the live feeds to your smartphone, tablet, and PC. You can even configure the camera to only activate when the birds are active. The bird box camera also includes a memory card slot so that you can record the best moments. 

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Watch Bird Box Camera on Your Phone and TV

Birdwatching has become more and more popular lately. And with the invention of the bird box camera, doing so gets a whole lot easier even from the comfort of your home. This tiny camera fits easily inside your nest box so you can get up close and personal with the resident wildlife without disturbing them. After an easy plug-and-play setup, you can watch the nesting birds basically anytime, anywhere. 

As an expert in the field, Green Backyard has launched a range of bird box cameras that can be watched on your smartphone, tablet, PC and even on TV. In today’s post, we’ll introduce a bird box camera that can be watched both on your smartphone and TV, to give you the best of both worlds. 

Birdhouse Camera HD with Wireless Transmission 


This birdhouse camera is specially designed to work with various display options, including your smartphone, tablet, PC/Mac and TV. Inside the camera is a wireless transmitter, which will send the footage to the included receiver without the need for extra video cables. Our newly designed transmitter (built-in) and the receiver use the latest technology to give you good interference-free video and audio quality over long distances. This birdhouse camera produces 3MP color images by day and crisp B&W images at night. A 7000 Hz microphone is also incorporated to record all the cheeps and whistles inside the nest box. Featuring a field of view of 120°, its lens can also be adjusted to fine-tune the focus. Besides, this birdhouse camera also supports various power options like mains and batteries.  


Wireless Transmission over 50 Meters


Unlike the classic wired bird box camera that comes with a solid TV cable connection, this birdhouse camera transmits video and audio wirelessly to the receiver up to 50 meters away. So there’s no need to run a video cable from your bird box. And as the wireless network can be easily extended to hard-to-reach places where the cable finds itself hard to fit in, it gives you greater flexibility on where to place the camera. Once connected to the network, the birdhouse camera will compress and transmit the video wirelessly to the receiver, and the receiver will decipher the message and convert the source into the HDMI display, which is then transmitted over the HDMI cable to the TV. And the receiver can carry 2-3 cameras at a time. The only limitation is that you need a clear line of sight between the birdhouse camera and the receiver, or the signal will start to degrade as it goes through walls and other objects.


The signal strength tends to decrease as you move away from it. The distance can cause a serious connection problem if you own a large property or use the WiFi connection outdoors. But this bird box camera comes with a larger antenna to boost your signal strength and enable you to use your camera in a broader range of places. This omnidirectional antenna sends and receives signals from all directions to create a larger coverage range and improve signal strength along the way. And as the signal can travel further, you can easily extend network coverage to your backyard. This birdhouse camera is an ideal solution if you’re renting a house or you simply don’t want to open another hole in your wall to route the cable out. Just plug the bird box camera into a power source, connect it to the network and you’re good to go! 



How to Connect the Camera to Your TV?


When it comes to professional video streaming, it’s always smart to look for ways to make your set safer, easier, and more up-to-date in terms of technology. Simple as the setup goes: the only thing you need to do is to install this HD birdhouse camera in your garden, use the wireless receiver to pick up the signals and convert the data into the HDMI format, and then use an HDMI cable to connect the receiver to the TV. 

Now, follow the instructions below to complete the setup:

1. Power the birdhouse camera with the mains power and reset it by pressing and holding the reset button for 3 seconds. 

2. Install the antenna on the wireless receiver, hook it up to power, wire it to the TV with an HDMI cable, and plug your wired mouse into the USB port on the receiver.

3. On your TV, you’ll see a window where you can configure the settings of your bird box camera. Then use your mouse to click ‘Code for Wireless’, and then the receiver will start searching for the camera nearby. 

4. Once the navigation is completed, the IP address of that birdhouse camera will pop up on the screen. Add that camera to the list and then the connection status will switch from ‘Not Logged In’ to ‘Connected’.

5. Then, the live video will be displayed on the TV screen.



How to Record the Footage?


Since this birdhouse camera doesn’t support SD card recording, to record the footage, you need to install an SDD (solid-state drive) on the receiver. 

First, install the SDD: 1) Disconnect all the cables from the receiver, unscrew the casing and remove the top cover; 2) Connect one end of the SDD data cable to the SATA interface on the motherboard, and then the power cord. Run the cables through the protection ring on the receiver and then put the cover back in place; 3) Connect the two cables to the SDD, restore all the connections and turn on the receiver.

Second, playback the footage: 1) Right-click to select PlayBack; 2) In the next window, you can choose the time and which birdhouse camera you want to check out (4 channels in total); 3) At the bottom is a timeline where you can navigate the footage and skip back and forth; 4) For the backup, you can use the USB flash drive to copy the footage. Insert the USB flash drive into the wireless receiver, click the ‘scissor’ icon to edit the footage to be saved, export the footage to MP4 format and download the video to the flash drive. 



How to Connect the Camera to Your Smartphone?


Unlike the wireless bird box camera which transmits the video over the airwaves, in this bird box camera system, the transmitter only sends video and audio signals to the receiver only. But to view the live videos on the smartphone, you need to stream the footage online. To accomplish this, you’ll need an ICSee account and a robust WiFi network. 

Now, follow the instructions below to complete the setup:

1. Power up the birdhouse camera and the receiver and connect them together.

2. Register for ICSee: download the app, tap ‘Sign Up’ to create an account, enter your email address, and then the verification code, and finally set a password. 

3. Connect the wireless receiver to your home router with a network cable. And make sure it’s connected to the same router your smartphone is connected to. 

4. Open ICSee, click the ‘+’ icon at the top right of the screen, choose other connection options and search for the device connected to the same router. After a minute or so, the wireless receiver will be added to the system

5. Go back to the main page, you’ll see four newly added channels. And choose one of them, and you can then watch the birdhouse camera on your phone. 

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Winter Bird Care: How to Build a Birdhouse? 

 Birdwatching is a great pastime for all. Wild birds amuse us with the daily dose of melodies and brighten our day by delighting our eyes with their colorful wings, sparkling eyes, and cute beaks! Installing a birdhouse can be an effective way to attract different types of birds to your yard. What’s more, the protective shelter provided by the birdhouse can be a timely lifesaver, a welcome respite for cavity nesters in winter. Nearly every animal seeks protection from cold nights, snow storms and hungry predators. The birdhouse is a safe refuge for them to rest, roost and keep warm, and most importantly, it’s a desirable estate all year round. In spring and summer, the birdhouse will become a summer resort where songbirds can nest, breed and raise their young. 

The Best Time to Put Out Birdhouses

Knowing when to put out birdhouses is essential for bird lovers to attract the specific kind of birds, such as purple martins and cardinals, to their gardens. You can learn when these birds will probably arrive in the region and install your birdhouses only one or two weeks before their expected appearance or the other birds will very much likely take up residence before they do. For birders who are fine with any bird species, you can put your birdhouses out all year round as long as you clean and sanitize them after each brood. There is no bad time to put out birdhouses but it would be a good try if you have them up during the nesting season and host the new feathered families. Some cavity nesters like wrens, bluejays, and chickadees will start looking for shelters as early as January and February, so now is the prime time to put out your birdhouses and welcome new family members. Moreover, the freezing passers-by would also use the available birdhouses as shelters from cold temperatures and predators before the nesting season. 



How to Build a Birdhouse On Your Own?


Building a birdhouse is a simple woodworking project you can do with your children over a weekend! Now, follow the instructions below to start your crafty!

1. Prepare the Materials

Purchase some untreated and unpainted wood, such as cedar, pine or cypress, to ensure that the weather will not tear down or damage the birdhouse easily. And the unpainted wood will also allow you to paint the birdhouse with different colors later on. The dimensions of each wood lumber should be approximately 2cm-5cm thick. Moreover, you also need some tools: a miter saw, a Phillips screwdriver, some exterior wood screws (instead of using nails which loosen over time and tear your birdhouse apart, galvanized screws will lock your birdhouse more tightly), wood glue, C-clamps (used to secure the birdhouse while the glue dries and while drilling the galvanized screws), a zinc-plated hinge, a paintbrush and outdoor paint. 

2. Cut the Pieces

Cut the wood into pieces with the miter saw to the following dimensions: 13 1/2 inches×6 inches for the back; 9 inches×6 inches for the front panel; 7 1/2 inches×6 inches for the roof; 4 inches×6 inches for the floor; (2) 9 inches×6 inches for sideboards). The measurements could vary depending on your intended sizes, and any untreated wood or scrap lumbers will also work if no standard materials are available. And remember to scrub the edges with sandpaper to smooth things over. You can also use a regular saw and a ruler to cut the wood or pay someone at the hardware store to cut the pieces to the exact dimensions for you. At the end of the cutting, you should have six pieces of wood.

3. Drill the Holes

Drill an entrance hole on the front panel (1-1/2″ from the sides and 1-3/4″ from the top) with the help of a compass (used to draw a perfect circle) and a tapping machine (if available) and slightly rub the edges with sandpaper to smooth the cuts as well. Beware that the optimal size of an entrance hole should be precise, something between 1 and 3 inches: too small and no one fits in; too big and visitors you don’t want, like house sparrows and even squirrels will get in. If you accidentally get your hole too large, do worry, you can adjust it by attaching some predator guards. Open a window on either side of the birdhouse to let the natural light in and cover it with a removable, translucent panel to keep the rain out. Considering that an enclosed environment mixed with wastes and water is a perfect breeding ground for deadly fungi and bacteria which will compromise your feathered friends’ health and cause disastrous consequences, it is essential that you open some ventilators at the bottom for air ventilation and water drainage to avoid bacteria breeding and insect infestation. 


4. Paint the Wood

Before you start, just remember: “Don’t pick the wrong colors!”. A birdhouse painted with camouflage colors such as gray, brown or green provides birds with excellent camouflage against predators. Bright colors may look amusing but they will scare off the birds. Pick up some natural-looking, outdoor paints and apply them with a paintbrush and let them dry for as long as necessary. If you want rich colors with little maintenance and easy application, go with oil-based paints. They are more resistant to low temperatures and can be easily applied on a wooden surface. And please note that the interiors should not be painted. The paint inside the birdhouse can peel off over time as hatchlings start scratching the paint inside. Lastly, seal the exteriors with non-toxic linseed oil so the colors can last longer. 


5. Assemble the Birdhouse

Using wood glue would be the easiest way to assemble the birdhouse, but it is way better to put all the pieces together with the galvanized screws after the glue sets. Nails are acceptable but not suggested for they may loosen gradually in long-time use. Use a wooden stick to spread the wood glue to the edges of the floorboard and attach one of the sideboards, the front and the back panels to it. If possible, use a clamp to line up the wood pieces during the assembly and leave the glue to dry up for 30 minutes. Then secure these pieces with the long screws. To make a removable side panel, you will need to slide in the remaining sideboard and keep it in the frame. Then place the roof on the top and attach it to the other three sides (front/back/left side) with the wood screws, and no screws are needed on the right side where you just slid in the sideboard. Next, use the zinc-plated hinge to put the roof and the right side board together, so you’ll have a removable panel on the side. After that, check if the panel moves smoothly and make sure the other parts are a hundred percent secure.

6. Install the Birdhouse

Finding the right place for your birdhouse is as important as how it’s constructed. Hanging your birdhouse from a branch is not recommended as it can easily fall down. You should mount it to a metal pole to keep it from swaying, wobbling or moving when the birds come in and out. Trees and spaces under eaves can work well but a free-standing pole with a baffle can offer protection from many predators, like squirrels, cats and snakes. Avoid places where pesticides are used. Not only are they bad for wild birds’ health in general, but the chemicals can also eliminate the birds’ prime food source, insects. Use supporting materials like PVC pipes or wooden strips for further reinforcement. Face your birdhouse east so it can receive natural sunlight in the morning. Since different birds dwell at different heights, try to figure out the best mounting level to attract the birds you want to observe. But you need to keep the birdhouse at least 5 feet off the ground, which makes it easy for you to clean it out and keeps it away from most predators. 



Pre-Assembled Birdhouse Ready to GO!!


For someone who doesn’t have the time to build a birdhouse on their own, we also have a Natural Cedar Birdhouse for sale. Hand-crafted from high-quality cedarwood, this birdhouse is made of non-toxic and responsibly sourced material, which makes it naturally waterproof and resistant to rot, decay, and insect infestation. The hinged rooftop and the front panel are removable so you can easily clean the nest box at the end of the season and get it ready for the next brood. On one side of the birdhouse is a window covered with a removable, clear plastic panel, letting enough light in and keeping the rain out. And the front board is also decorated with grooved interiors to help the fledglings climb out of the nest box. The base of the box is four ventilation holes and a mesh floor, to maximize air circulation and water drainage. And the best part of this birdhouse is that it’s specially designed to work with our range of bird box cameras to allow you to see all the happenings inside. 

Final Thoughts


Maintaining your birdhouse is just as important. Do not add perches to your birdhouse since they are unnecessary for nesting birds and will only help large predators gain access. Birds will have one to three broods each nesting season so it’s important to remove the debris and clean up the interiors with soap and water to prevent diseases. Moreover, for some dedicated bird watchers who are curious about all the tweety comings and goings inside the nest box, we also have written a tutorial on how to install a bird box camera into the birdhouse. For information, please continue to read Tips for Bird Box Camera Installation.