Nesting of Magpie-Robin

        Nesting of Magpie Robin 

                  It is very interesting to see that Magpie-Robin pair has occupied the nest-box for their nesting during this monsoon season. The nest-box was actually designed for house-sparrows & they did used it for 4 nesting periods. But now, magpie-robins have successfully breded their young in the same best-box and feeding activity of the young by the parents is vigorously on.

                 The nest-box was fitted in the balcony of our II floor-flat 4 years back. I have observed that every 5/6 minutes, either male or female feeds the young, male making more number of trips.

                 I think we have become much used to them and they do not seem to be disturbed with our presence except a little noticing. I could take their photos from 10 feet with due care & camouflage, not disturbing their activities at all. I have also attached the previous house-sparrow nesting photo.
             
                 I would like to appeal all nature-friends to fix nest-boxes in your house premises & enjoy their activities. This will definitely help increase birds' population in urban cities. I have designed nest-boxes for some birds. You can contact me if you are interested in fixing them in your premises.

Blue Rock Pigeon

                 

            Blue Rock Pigeon

                It is a very common and familiar bird even to urban people due to its adaptation to human city life. The shining metallic green colour around its neck and red eyes and legs give it very charming look. We can hear its repeated call, 'gootr-goo gootr-goo' in densely populated places. 

                  It makes a nest in windows, holes in walls, ceilings, wherever it finds suitable space in our or around our houses and large buildings. The nest is loosely collected small tree branches and other scrap material available in the area.

                  Its food is pulses, seeds and any thrown away food. If we keep a feeding-table in our balcony and put rice or wheat grains, they will be attracted. You can enjoy its nice company. Never forget to put a pot of drinking water near the table.

DESIGN OF NEST-BOX FOR HOUSE-SPARROW

    DESIGN OF NEST-BOX 
    FOR HOUSE-SPARROW

 

The design of the Nest-Box with complete details is attached herewith. It is made up of 10 mm plywood board painted from outside with water-base dull & light color paint. It should never be painted from inside. Also, the inside surfaces should not be made smooth. The diameter of the entrance hole is important and decides which bird will likely use it. For proper ventilation, gaps are kept between top and side plates. Also ¼” holes are drilled near the lower portions. For drainage, 1/4” holes are provided to the bottom plate. For inspection, cleaning, maintenance and access, the bird-house can be opened from one side; for that, hinged door is provided to one side with locking. The bird-house may at times be occupied by an uninvited guest like, a squirrel, a mouse, a lizard, or insects. Hence, just a routine check up and cleaning is necessary.

 

The nest-box should not be fixed in an open area, otherwise, the bird will not do nesting for fear of predators. It should be at a hiding place, under shadow, not facing east or west and not approachable by predators like cats.