NESTING AIDS FOR NATIVE BIRDS.

Forest and Bird, Issue 35, 1 February 1935, Page 3

NESTING AIDS FOR NATIVE BIRDS.

Scope for Experiments

In Great Britain, United States of America, Canada, Japan, and many other countries much aid is given to wild birds in the provision of artificial nesting facilities for them. Indeed, the British Ministry of Agriculture has issued an illustrated leaflet titled “Nest Boxes for Birds,” and similar action has been taken in other leading countries. “Nest boxes,” it is stated, “are something more than pleasant aids to the study of bird life, for by their means useful birds, which might otherwise be absent, may be induced to take up residence on farms and in orchards, gardens and allotments, to the great advantage of the owners.” Of course, it is well known that many species of native birds would not be interested in artificial nesting places, but some species would welcome man’s assistance if it took suitable form. Also there may be other ways of inducing native birds to nest near people’s homes. For example, one bird-lover prunes certain trees in a manner to ensure good sites for nests. Here are opportunities for admirers of native birds to find scope for their ingenuity and nature-sense by experimenting, and thus gaining knowledge which they will gladly share with other New Zealanders.