In a bid to support the breeding of tree swallows, a woman in Halifax is urging local residents to construct and set up nesting boxes on their properties. Jessica Ryuzaki shared that the inspiration struck her during a casual stroll in the city when she noticed the increasing number of trees being cut down and pondered the impact on the wildlife, especially the birds that inhabit the area. She emphasized the significance of these birds in the community, recalling their melodic chirping each morning.
The population of tree swallows and other aerial insectivores has dwindled in Nova Scotia and P.E.I since the 1970s, as reported by the Canadian Breeding Bird Survey. These birds are cavity-nesters, preferring holes or crevices within trees as their dwellings. While the concept of nesting boxes is not novel for offering alternative homes to birds in tree-deficient areas, Ryuzaki highlighted the simplicity and affordability of building one, suggesting that basic materials can be easily acquired, even from a dollar store.
Tony Millard, the president of the Nova Scotia Bird Society, endorsed Ryuzaki’s initiative and took to social media to promote the idea further. He advised that nesting boxes should be installed in open, sunny locations with grassy surroundings, approximately two meters above the ground to safeguard against ground predators. Proper orientation, facing south or east, is crucial to shield the boxes from severe winds.
The project, now known as ReNest Nova Scotia, is distributing templates to aid individuals in crafting the nesting boxes. Millard pointed out that these boxes could benefit various bird species beyond just the tree swallow and added that homeowners participating in the project would enjoy the spectacle of swallows swooping around their yards while naturally controlling insect populations.
Winter is deemed the ideal season for construction, with Millard recommending that individuals utilize their indoor time for box-building, aiming to have them installed by April before the onset of spring when the birds will require them. Ryuzaki expressed receiving numerous inquiries from interested participants and expressed her hope to witness the boxes adorning yards across Halifax come springtime.
The potential widespread adoption of nesting boxes in Halifax holds promise for the local avian population and the community’s enjoyment of observing these aerial acrobats in action while reaping the benefits of reduced insect activity in their yards.
For more information, you can visit the original source [here](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/nesting-boxes-birds-halifax-9.7083553).
