Fortunately, this post will narrow things down and help you work out where to put a bird box.
(If you have managed to make ‘under a rock’ work, please send us footage!)
There’s a bit in Toy Story where Woody uses sunshine to light a firework fuse. That made us realise that sunlight is hot! The film must be a hit in the avian world, because birds have noticed too: they like their homes to have a bit of shade. But which way should a bird box face in the UK?
To keep your feathered friends comfy and cool, ensure it faces somewhere between north and east. Doing so will create a welcoming environment which also has direct health benefits. Excessive heat can hinder the growth of species like bluetits. (They’re meant to be small, but they still need to grow a bit!)
Having said that, some natural light can be a good thing. Especially if you’ve installed a camera and you want some non night-vision viewing. Let a healthy amount of sun in with a circular translucent window, or simulate sunlight with a daytime LED lamp.
Want to know more about brightening up bird boxes? Check out this post.
You’ll need to place your bird box 1.5–5 metres from the ground, but 2 metres or more is ideal. That makes it harder for opportunistic cats to grab a snack. (It appears they didn’t hear it’s illegal to disturb/eat nesting birds…)
Got a particular visitor in mind? How high/low you place the box will affect which species are likely to move in.
1.5–2 metres |
Blackbirds and robins |
2–4 metres |
Sparrows, starlings, tits and spotted flycatchers |
3–5 metres |
Woodpeckers, kestrels and owls |
100,000+ metres |
None: you’re trying to install a bird box in space |
The type of bird box you opt for will affect its suitability for different species too.
These are for birds of the 2–5 metre variety. (That’s the preferred height of the box, not the size of the birds!) They’re best placed where there’s a clear flight line to the entrance; an assault course to get home after a long day’s chirping would be a massive faff.
The size of the entrance hole is also important for what you attract.
25mm |
Blue, coal, and marsh tits |
28mm |
Great tits and tree sparrows |
32mm |
House sparrows, nuthatches and woodpeckers |
Want to cater to one of those? You can vary the hole size with our stainless steel cover plates.
These are great for wrens, robins, kestrels and owls. If you’re placing one lower down – around 1.5–2 metres for the smaller birds – putting it among some foliage works well.
This will provide some natural protection from those sneaky neighbourhood cats and other predators. Bonus points if the foliage is thorny, because pricking prongs prevent prying paws.
Open faced boxes also need a clear flight line, so just throwing one in a bramble bush isn’t advised…
If you’re planning to cram a hundred bird boxes into the space of a couple of square feet, we salute your enthusiasm. However, we also recommend thinking again.
It’s best to position your box a safe distance from other nests, bird feeders, or bird bath tables. This will prevent disturbances, which can make your potential occupants uneasy. Keeping at least 7.5 metres away from busy areas is ideal.
Here’s a little-known fact: nest boxes that last are better than ones that don’t. Amazing, right? Mounting your box with rust-resistant materials like galvanised wire or stainless steel screws is a good way to put this knowledge to use. A stable home that’s properly attached can be enjoyed for years.
Need some advice for cleaning a nest box between tenants? Click here.
It may take time for birds to discover the home you’ve made for them. Just like us, they like to explore their options to find the perfect spot. The time of year plays a part too, as many species nest in early spring.
However, it’s worth putting up a bird box at any time of year; some birds nest later on. Also, seasons tend to happen again, so there’s always next year if things end up a bit quiet this time round.
If you find yourself struggling to attract residents, all is not lost. We’ve got another post with some ideas for how you can make your garden more attractive.
We hope our tips have made you eager to install your bird box. If you need to get your hands on one, have a look at our range. We’ve also got a variety of cameras so you can see what the birdies get up to when they arrive.
We love seeing your windows to the wild, so don’t forget to tag us if you share your footage online!
]]>Rewilding aims to increase biodiversity in areas where humans have been busy reducing it. It does this by letting the natural world do its thing. Nature’s been creating and refining its processes for a few (hundred million/billion) years, so it knows a thing or two about making an ecosystem flourish.
Need to rejuvenate some soil that’s seen too much farming? Send in the pigs to snuffle about and forage, breaking up the ground in the process. Want to make sure they don’t overgraze? Release the territorial ponies, who’ll ‘encourage’ them to move to a new location.
Also want to see the process acted out in an easy-to-understand way? We’ve got you covered.
Humanity: Hey, this area’s been over-farmed and nothing’s growing here! Let’s grab our machines and expend carbon dioxide trying to fix it.
Nature, flexing its flowery green fingers: Hold my spring water.
Rewilding has more benefits than we’ve had hot meals – and we love a good hot meal. Shove a few beavers in the right section of riverbank and they’ll make natural flood defences.
Trees are good at reducing flooding too. They suck up rainwater and just get in the way of a downpour, thus slowing it down. They also let animals live in them rent free. Replenishing their numbers in deforested areas makes a lot of sense.
How much sense? Six megatons, according to our scales.
Birds often feature across the food chain in a diverse ecosystem, and they all play important roles. Apex predators like eagles prevent their prey from overpopulating and thus overgrazing; smaller birds spread seeds far and wide and help keep insect populations in check.
Jays are great at this, for instance. (Possibly not your mate Jay, but he might go around throwing seeds all over the place too. Good on him if he does this responsibly!) Some see them as pests, but BBC Countryfile’s gone as far as to call them ‘colourful bird[s] and prolific tree planter[s]’.
Birdies also like to sing! Humans like music, but apparently plants do too. (There’s been research and everything.) We love the idea of the foliage giving our feathered friends places to live and then being helped to grow with a nice singsong in return.
Basically, an area with a healthy bird population is probably doing pretty well for itself in terms of being all naturey.
There are brilliant conservation efforts going on up and down the UK, and many of them put nature in the purely figurative driving seat. Here are just a few of them.
This is just across the road from (and maintained by) the Belmont Estate, just outside of Bristol. Local to us; yay! Belmont’s owners purchased the area in 2019 and set about giving nature a space to thrive.
Allowing pigs and ponies to graze has already led to a dramatic increase in all sorts of both plant and animal biodiversity. According to Bristol 24/7, a rise in the number of anthills has led to a big increase in green woodpeckers returning to the area.
Want to learn more about their efforts? Click here.
You can find this wildlife haven just a bit (OK, a lot) further north, a few miles away from Loch Ness in Scotland. The area’s owned by Trees for Life, which isn’t a bad name for an organisation focused on conservation!
The charity has been managing the area since 2008, and they’ve seen plenty of success. In 2023 they kicked things up a notch and opened the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre, the first visitor-focused attraction of its kind in the world.
Our favourite of their successes is the return of golden eagles to the area. These majestic birds are extinct in England and Wales and endangered in Scotland. In 2020 a breeding pair successfully reared a chick within Dundreggan’s 10,000-acre landscape for the first time in 40 years.
This is run by the Knepp Wildland Foundation, whose mission is ‘to galvanise nature recovery across Sussex and contribute to our global effort to reverse our biodiversity crisis’. They’ve created an area where nature flourishes, only a few miles away from Gatwick Airport. That’s quite the achievement.
Their wildlife successes page has separate entries for nightingales, turtle doves, owls, raptors, songbirds and various insects and plants. For example, only seven nightingale territories were recorded at Knepp in 1999. That shot up to 34 in 2012 after rewilding efforts got underway.
Finally, a form of ‘Kneppotism’ we can get behind!
If everyone in the UK stuck their gardens together, the area would be bigger than that covered by all of our nature reserves. That means that small-scale rewilding can do great things too. You might not have room to let a bunch of ponies tear up your lawn, but you can still get involved.
The simplest way to help is pretty easy: do nothing and let your grass grow. A bit of untidiness will give insects, birds and other animals essential natural resources such as more flowers to help them flourish. Any time is good for this, but you could start by participating in No Mow May.
If you’re on good terms with your neighbours, how about making a hedgehog highway? This is a good way to encourage prickly residents to move in if you’ve got hold of one of our hedgehog houses.
Hedgehogs travel a surprising amount, and being able to get in and out of gardens makes life much easier for them. Adding the odd small hole at the bottom of your fences is all they need to wander more freely. (Remember those human neighbours though. Fences happen on both sides of the fence, so get permission first.)
Could you bear to put nature in charge of an unassuming corner of your garden? If so, you’ll be doing biodiversity a big favour. Let the dead branches pile up, allow the weeds to poke through and put a few haphazard rocks around. Plenty of creatures rely on these sorts of areas to forage from or even live in. (And if you’re not a fan of the creepy crawlies that will take up residence there, remember you’ll be attracting birds to come and eat them too.
Want to learn more about rewilding? Head over to https://www.rewildingbritain.org.uk/ and discover other success stories and more ideas for getting involved.
If you’re already doing things to let nature flourish by being natural, be sure to tell others about it. Share your triumphs on social media and remember to tag us so we can be thrilled about it too!
]]>This year’s theme is ‘Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation’. People are doing all sorts of clever things with tech, from monitoring animal populations with drones to sharing research with the click of a mouse. Want to get involved too? Yay! Read on for some ideas about how you can mark the occasion.
(Anything you do is positive regardless of how big or small it is, so don’t feel like this is a checklist of tasks you have to complete!)
Birds, hedgehogs, bugs and plenty of other creatures count as wildlife, and they’ll all appreciate a welcoming garden. You could use the 3rd of March as an excuse to install a new nestbox, hedgehog box or bug hotel to help conserve our precious biodiversity. (Maybe even install all three if you’ve got the space!)
Appropriate food sources will also be of massive help to your visitors. They’ll thank you by being all cute and entertaining, which sounds like a good deal to us.
Looking to help some hedgehogs? Check out this post to discover what’s good for them. We also know what birds like on the menu; click here and you can too!
The word ‘connecting’ is in this year’s theme, so how about enjoying wildlife alongside those closest to you. You could go birdwatching with a neighbour, or send a friend a video of that squirrel who had another try at your bird feeder.
If you’ve got some younger family members, why not go and search for some creepy crawlies in your back garden? (You could also do this with adults if you want to, of course.)
Just be sure to safely release any tiny critters if you put them in a bug observation box; most of them have things to do!
These are just a few ideas to get you going. Nature’s a diverse ol’ thing, and there are (at least) as many ideas for enjoying it as there are people.
Want to go a bit further, figuratively and literally? Look for ways to help your local community and you’re bound to find something before long. This could be something small, like picking up some litter next time you go for a walk. A crisp packet in the gloved hand is worth two – or more – creatures not ingesting parts of it in the bush. The litter bugs might not thank you, but they’re not included in the list of wildlife we love. Bonus points if anything suitable finds its way to a recycling bin.
You could also look for organised events to help with. ‘Clean Up Bristol Harbour’ is a great option in our local area. They run clean ups every month, so there are plenty of opportunities to get involved and perhaps meet some new friends. That sounds pretty connected to us.
There’ll be something similar close to you for sure, so load up your search engine of choice and see what’s going on.
If you want thanks for handing a hedgehog a tenner, you’re going to need an intermediary. Thankfully, there are plenty of wildlife charities who can fulfil that role. For example, we love the Avon Wildlife Trust, ‘the largest local charity working to protect wildlife and inspire people in the West of England’.
The World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) is another worthy organisation to support. For World Wildlife Day, they’re running their #WORLDWITHOUTNATURE event for another year. Businesses are encouraged to remove any references to nature from their logos on the 3rd of March, to raise awareness of how important the natural world is to us all.
Those are a couple of charities to consider, but there are many more which could benefit from your support, however big or small.
The United Nations are hosting their own World Wildlife Day event on the 4th of March. Our tickets to attend in New York got lost in the mail, so we’ll be checking out the livestream instead. (There’s an outside chance we weren’t invited, but the ‘lost in the mail’ idea makes us feel better about ourselves.)
Watching will show you what those at the forefront of conservation efforts are doing, and how they’re harnessing technology to help species across the world. It will also reinforce how important this work is, now more than ever. Visit this page to learn how to tune in. You can also watch the recording from last year’s event in the meantime.
Whatever nature-related hijinks you get up to, sharing them online is a great way to fit in with World Wildlife Day 2024’s digital theme. Carefully picked up and recycled a can with a sharp edge? Take a picture and encourage others to do the same.
Or maybe your wildlife camera has captured some fantastic footage of a feathered friend frolicking fancifully. In that case, we wanna see! (Click here for an amazing example from one of our lovely customers.) Post it on your social media platform(s) of choice and make sure to tag us.
Speaking of tagging, World Wildlife Day has several hashtags you can use to join in with the wider conversation. #ConnectingPeopleAndPlanet, #WWD2024, #DigitalInnovation and #WorldWildlifeDay are all worth searching for and using.
This one could be especially good for the kids, but it’s great for any age, really! Come up with a poem to share with everyone on the 3rd of March. As long as it features wildlife, you’ve done it correctly. To give you some ideas, here’s one of ours:
A garden full of birds
Is a little less absurd
Than a marrow full of sparrows
(which has never yet occurred).
Yours will definitely be better. Remember to prove it by tagging us when you share it!
To reiterate, anything you do on the 3rd of March and beyond is going to help the natural world. Your efforts might feel like a drop of water in the desert, but they’ll mean the world to the individual animal(s) they benefit.
Head over to World Wildlife Day’s website for more inspiration and ideas about how you can get involved. And, once again, don’t forget to let us know about how you’re getting connected digitally on social media!
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The event was started in 1997 by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). It runs from the 14th to 21st of February so you can get a nestbox sorted ahead of Spring, which is when many birds are looking to nest and start a family.
It’s worth getting involved because the ‘wrental’ market is getting tougher every year. (The same goes for the sparrowtal, starlingtal and chaffinchtal markets!) Tidier gardens, and buildings with fewer nooks and crannies, are making it tricky for our feathered friends to find places to live.
Adding a nestbox to your garden is a great way to combat this trend, and you’ll get some lovely visitors to watch too. What’s not to love? (Answer: nothing.)
Birds are like dried fruit: they like being stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. That means you should position your nestbox in a shady area of your garden. A clear flight path is also a must; selling points for properties don’t generally include obstacle courses to get to the front door!
Different types of home will advertise to different types of birdie. Here are some tips for if you’ve got a particular resident in mind.
Put these 2–4 metres off the ground, ensuring the aforementioned shade and clear flight path. The size of the entrance hole will determine which types of bird you’re most likely to attract.
You can change the size of your box’s hole with one of our stainless steel cover plates.
These are good for attracting wrens and robins, which prefer their homes to be lower down; 1–2 metres off the ground is ideal. You’ll still need to ensure a clear flight path, but it’s a good idea to place an open faced box where it will be surrounded by foliage. If said foliage is a bit thorny, even better. A bit of natural protection will help prevent opportunistic cats. (No robbin’ yourself a robin today, Whiskers!)
Click here to browse our great range of bird boxes!
The UK is home to the Eurasian wren, which has the rather amazing scientific name Troglodytes troglodytes!
Like people, birds enjoy homes with pleasant surrounding areas. A simple way to make your garden attractive is to put out some great grub. Using a bird feeder can be a great shout, but make sure to place it a fair distance from nesting sites. Grey squirrels have been known to attack nesting birds, and they’re also infamous for trying their luck with bird feeders.
Want some tips on different birds’ menu choices? We’ve got you covered with another of our posts. And if you want to be kind to the environment while providing food, check out these fantastic options:
Nesting birds are protected by law, so disturbing them is a no-no. However, that doesn’t mean you only get to imagine what they’re up to while they’re home. Installing a camera before your new friends move in is a fantastic way to see what they’re doing.
Do birds play scrabble or argue over the washing up? There’s no evidence thus far, but if they do start doing those things, a bird box camera will show you what it looks like. And if not, you’ll still see plenty to keep you entertained.
Wondering where to get a high-quality bird box camera? There’s this company called Green Feathers who supply some really good ones. Click here to discover our range and find the best camera to suit your needs. (We’ve also got a brilliant support team if you have any questions about setting up your new window to the wild.)
We hope National Nestbox Week 2024 will be more than just a flight of fancy for you! Head over to https://www.nestboxweek.com/ for even more tips, and be sure to post any pictures you take during (and after!) the event on social media. Remember to tag us, because we really do love to see how you’re enjoying nature.
]]>The annual event is run by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), and happens on the last weekend of January. You can take part wherever you are in the UK by registering here. All you have to do is choose an hour between the 26th and 28th of January and count the birds you see in your garden. (You can watch from your balcony or go to your local park too.)
Make a note of the birds you see, and the highest number of each type you observe at any one time. If a thousand starlings descend on your garden, and twenty minutes later you see another two, only count the thousand. (Also, a thousand starlings? You must have an enormous garden!)
Once you’re all finished, submit your results online by the 18th of February, or post them to reach the RSPB by the 13th of February.
The main thing you need is a way to jot down which birdies have come to visit. Make sure you’ve got a pen and paper handy when you start, or you could use your phone. Just don’t get too distracted by it if you’re keeping track electronically! What if that clickbait makes you miss seeing a phoenix?
A pair of binoculars can be useful if you’re viewing a large space. They’ll also make you feel properly ‘birdwatchy’, which is never a bad thing in our books.
Recognising the birds you see is more than a tiny bit useful. Grab your favourite bird identification book, or download the RSPB’s free guide from their FAQs page.
Getting comfortable while you’re enjoying nature is also nice. Wrap up nice and warm if you’re venturing outside. If you’re staying in, it’s essential – essential, we say! – that you have somewhere nice to sit, and a suitably wonderful hot drink next to you.
The Big Garden Birdwatch is most pleasant when you actually get to see some birds. (It’s not a prerequisite though. The RSPB still wants to know if you were bored by birdlessness.) You can let your feathered friends know they’re welcome by providing suitable food and water sources. Click here for advice about what different types of birds like.
Providing safe food for your visitors is a must. Here’s a post about what you should and shouldn’t put out for them to eat.
It’s also important to let the birdies do their thing without disturbing them. If you’re desperate to go outside – and your toes don’t mind getting chilly as much as ours do – staying nice and still is key. However, we recommend watching from a window or using a high-quality wildlife camera instead.
If it were up to us, we’d be glued to our bird cameras 24/7. (Figuratively these days. We tried literally, but it was too hard to shower properly.) However, we know some people like to watch wildlife in smaller bursts. An hour can feel like a big chunk of time if you’re not used to observing wildlife for more than a few minutes in one go. Here are a couple of ideas to help you get the most out of the experience.
Once you’re comfy – don’t forget your wonderful hot drink of choice – load up some suitably relaxing music to help you enjoy the time. We recommend listening to ‘The Birdie Song’ on repeat, but we suppose that’s not to absolutely everyone’s taste. Some nice ambient orchestral music might be a better way to set the mood for one or two of you, we suppose.
One of our favourite things about The Big Garden Birdwatch (other than the birds) is the sense of community the event creates. More than half a million people got involved across the UK in 2023. There are plenty of ways for you to interact with others keen to enjoy nature over the weekend.
If you know anyone else who’s participating, you could agree a date and time to do it together and then compare stats afterwards. You could even meet up and have a birdwatching bash. Just keep in mind that the RSPB asks for only one set of results if a group of you take part from the same location.
You could also take to your social media platform of choice to share your experiences and see who else is doing the count. (We’re a bit X-asperated that we can’t tell you to Tweet about your birdwatching these days, but them’s the breaks.)
You could even livestream your hour if you’re particularly tech savvy. Any twitchers here on Twitch? Let us know!
We hope we’ve whetted your appetite for this wonderful event. Click here to find out more, then RSVP to the RSPB so you can join in on the fun.
]]>‘Oh no! Here come the squirrels!’ If you’ve ever said something like that – perhaps with some naughty variations – we hear you. Most of the time, we’re all for keeping those scurrying scoundrels from pilfering what we’ve put out for our feathered friends. We even wrote a blog about it.
But not on the 21st of January, because that’s Squirrel Appreciation Day!
This annual event was started in 2001 in North Carolina by Christy Hargrove, a wildlife rehabilitation expert. It’s a chance for us to remember that, actually, squirrels can be pretty neat. They’re amazing acrobats, and they can jump many times the lengths of their bodies. They’re also fantastic at climbing. Anything that can happily stand vertically, head facing down, on the side of a tree trunk is worthy of at least a bit of respect, even if only once a year.
Now that we’ve made the case for squirrels, let’s cover some ways you can mark the occasion.
You don’t need to put on a big ceremony on the 21st of January, although we’re certainly not stopping you. Just keeping an eye out for the telltale (telltail?) twitch of a tail to tell tales about is a great start. If it’s a bit too chilly to venture out, you could use a wildlife camera instead.
Watching the furtive foragers can be entertaining in itself, but if you want some ideas to join in more, we’ve got you covered.
Witnessing any of the following are worth points. This is a serious game, with the number of points having been decided after arbitrarily assigning them on a whim a huge amount of research.
Need some help getting 10 points rather than 5? Check out our Eco-Friendly Premium Bird Seed Feeder, with a lid designed to keep clever squirrels out. |
Tot up your points at the end of the day, and post your score online for bragging rights. Remember to tag us!
We’re proud to announce the results of the first (and probably last) nominees for the SQUIRREL (Slightly Questionably Upstanding Impressive Really Really Excellent Leaper) award. Competition was tough, but we narrowed the list down to three:
We then decided that Scrat was the best. The decision’s more-or-less final, but if you’re desperate for a different winner then tell us on social media!
We’re actually quite fond of squirrels, even when it’s not the 21st of January. If you share our joy for these rascally rodents, please share your experiences with us! And if you’ve captured some of them – only on camera! – all the better. Show us your pictures and videos on social media to confirm you’re an excellent person with a splendid love of wildlife.
We hope we’ve equipped you with the enthusiasm to enjoy Squirrel Appreciation Day to the full. Now go off and enjoy your garden!
]]>In one of God's mysteries, squirrels don't like the smell of coffee! We're not quite sure who took it upon themselves to discover this, but we're thankful they did. Now when we're starting the day with our morning coffee, we can quickly visit our bird feeder and make it squirrel-proof.
If you're worried about the squirrel's wellbeing, don't worry it doesn't cause them any harm. It just deters them, that's all. So it's a very humane method to keeping your bird feeder for well, just birds.
You'll want to sprinkle roughly a one-inch layer of coffee grounds around your bird feeder will get the job done. It doesn't even matter whether they're decaf or regular. We'd recommend replenishing these about once a week to keep the squirrel-free shield up.
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This image captured by Zankl shows a two-coloured Mason Bee in the process of building its nest. A neat little fact about this insect is how they use snail shells for egg laying. Taking the empty shell, they'll fill it with both pollen and nectar before sealing it with grass and sticky saliva.
© Zhai Zeyu
Zeyu was able to snap this Coot as it traverses a frozen pond in China. Coots are amongst the most widespread birds, with sightings reported across Europe. Asia, northern parts of Africa and even Australia! The reason for this could possibly be that Coots require large areas of open water with nearby cover in order to begin nesting.
© Atsuyuki Ohshima
Someone call an Uber? Deep in the forests of Yakushima Island, a Macaque is pictured taking a free ride courtesy of a wandering Deer. Surprisingly, this isn't unheard of in this part of the world. Male Macaques have actually been spotted clinging to female deer, in hopes of mating. This one captured is female however, so she's clearly just lounging back and enjoying the scenic journey.
© Pietro Formis
No longer fancy a dip in the pool? Formis was fortunate to just get close enough to this Mediterranean Stargazer as it waited to ambush it prey. The Stargazer hides itself amongst the sand so only its eyes and teeth are left visible, so unsuspecting small fish and invertebrates come straight into the chomp zone.
Well that's it for our top picks of the entries released to the public thus far. Keep reading if you're interested in finding out what we do over at Green Feathers!
At Green Feathers, we're at the forefront of developing cameras for capturing multiple kinds of wildlife up close. Across our site, you'll see that our most popular collections are Bird Box Cameras & Hedgehog Box Cameras. Along with our pretty nifty tech, we can also provide the habitats to give you everything you need to get up and running watching these lovely creatures.
]]>For many years now, we have been helping people capture all sorts of special moments that wildlife has to offer. Using our state-of-the-art technology, it has never been easier for people to get up close and personal with nature. For those who want to watch nesting birds one product of ours has been crowned the people’s favourite. Let’s shine a spotlight on our 3rd Generation WiFi Bird Box Camera…
To see a full list of technical specifications, along with some adorable footage captured by our WiFi Bird Box Camera, be sure to check out the product page here for the full scoop!
]]>At Green Feathers, we’ve tried to make it as accessible as possible for people of all backgrounds to watch birds nesting. We also understand that by offering a wide range, it can be overwhelming or just outright confusing for some in finding the suitable product for them. So we’ve put together this little guide to hopefully simplify the process and make your decision that much easier.
Today we’ll going over 3 different Bird Box Camera options, including their individual features and who we think they suit best.
Starting a new hobby can be a daunting experience, especially in today’s cost of living crisis people are more hesitant than ever to invest their hard earned money in something new. This wired bird box camera is aimed at giving people the opportunity to get involved at a bargain price compared to similar products elsewhere in the market. It also serves as a great gift for introducing friends or family into bird watching, both in terms of setup and cost. It works by a standard wired connection, allowing you to showcase those nesting birds on your TV for all to see.
Watch birds nesting live on your TV through a simple wired connection.
Cable produces interference-free images.
Won’t find a similar price for a wired bird box camera anywhere else
Our most popular nesting camera for giving bird watchers the best experience possible. For those looking to get the full Green Feathers experience straight away, or even upgrade from our cheaper option. We mentioned earlier, about making bird watching accessible and this product takes it one step further. The main benefit the WiFi Bird Box Camera provides, is being able to watch whilst you’re on the move. Simply pair the camera with your preferred device (iPhone, Android, Tablet) using our Green Feathers app. A great option for those who often find themselves away from their home and don’t want to miss out.
WiFi Connectivity. Less wires, less problems.
Watch Live or Recorded Footage on your Smartphone or Tablet
Easy to add extra cameras, allowing multiple viewing options in the app
Stream your live feed online on platforms such as YouTube
Built in Microphone making sure you hear absolutely everything
Go Big or Go Home. We’ve already offered the best viewing experience possible and the Ultimate Bundle is the icing on the cake. For those who want to truly invest in their passion. This takes the 3rd Gen WiFI Bird Box Camera and adds on incredible accessories to put your Bird Box in a league of its own. Such as a Daytime LED Lamp, which improves image quality during the day, whilst automatically disabling itself at night-time in order to not disturb the chicks or hoglets sleep cycle.
Everything included with the 3rd Gen WiFi Bird Box Camera.
Deluxe Wooden Bird Box providing a lovely abode for your birds.
Daytime LED Lamp giving better image quality during daytime hours.
MicroSD Card included for recording and storing footage.
Pack of 3 Stainless Steel Cover Plates for shaping the box entry hole to your ideal bird size.
Hopefully we’ve made your choice simple and helped you find the perfect Nest Box Camera for you or your desired recipient’s needs. If you think you’ve decided, be sure to check-out the individual product’s page for its full tech specifications and even a tutorial video to confirm everything is all sweet. If you’re still stuck though, we’d recommend heading over to our Bird Box Camera Chooser Quiz. With just a few quick answers from you we’ll do all the heavy thinking to find you the perfect nesting camera. With that said, they are really great value for their listing, so whichever you land on you’ll be in safe hands. We’ll also be there to support you post purchase with any questions that arise in setting up your nest box camera.
]]>Choose Shade Over Sun When selecting a spot for your bird box, avoid placing it in direct sunlight, especially on the south-facing side. Excessive heat can be detrimental to small bird species like blue tits, hindering their growth. Instead, opt for a shady location to provide a cooler and more comfortable environment for your feathered friends. Position the bird box facing north, east, or somewhere in between to protect it from direct sunlight, wind, and rain. Additionally, consider tilting the box slightly forward to prevent rainwater from accumulating inside.
Height Matters Whether you hang your bird box on a tree, wall, or shed, ensure it is positioned between 1 and 5 meters above the ground. However, the ideal height depends on the type of birds you wish to attract:
Keep Predators at Bay To protect your bird box from curious cats and other predators, hang it at least 2 meters above the ground, making it inaccessible to them.
Embrace Greenery Most birds appreciate a nest box concealed among trees, bushes, or other foliage. Blackbirds, robins, and wrens, in particular, prefer a well-surrounded bird box, while sparrows, starlings, tits, and spotted flycatchers can tolerate slightly less cover. On the other hand, woodpeckers, kestrels, and owls are bolder and prefer an open space.
Ensure Unobstructed Entry While providing some cover is good, ensure that the entrance to the bird box is never blocked. Birds won't be enticed to nest in a location where they can't easily access the entrance.
The Right Door Size The size of the entrance hole plays a crucial role in attracting specific bird species:
Consider using bird box protection plates with different entrance hole sizes to cater to various bird preferences.
Avoid Disturbances Hang the bird box at a safe distance from other nests, bird feeders, or bird bath tables, as disturbances can make potential bird occupants uneasy. Maintain at least 25 feet of distance from any busy areas.
Use Rust-Resistant Materials To ensure stability and longevity, avoid using nails that can rust. Instead, use galvanized wire to tie the box to a tree trunk or hang it from a branch. If attaching the box to a wall, use stainless steel screws or nails that won't rust.
With these tips in mind, you can create an inviting environment for birds to nest and raise their young. Don't be discouraged if nesting activity doesn't occur immediately; birds may take their time finding the perfect spot. By following these guidelines, you'll increase the chances of attracting a variety of feathered visitors to your bird box. Share your experiences and bird sightings with us, and we'd love to see pictures and videos of your new avian tenants!
]]>The starling is a medium-sized bird that lives in the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe. Their feathers are shiny and can change colours, like a kaleidoscope! Sometimes they look purple, blue, or even green. When the sunlight hits their feathers, they shine in different ways, making them a truly beautiful sight to see.
Starlings can live in many different places, like forests, parks, farms, and even in cities. They love being together, so you might see lots of starlings flying and hanging out in big groups. When they all fly together, it's called a "murmuration," and it looks like they are dancing in the sky!
Starlings are amazing flyers. They can twist and turn in the air, making stunning patterns with their flock. When they fly together in a murmuration, it's like they're putting on a show for everyone watching. They can fly very fast and make sudden changes in direction. It's like they're doing acrobatics in the sky!
Starlings are known for their wonderful songs. They can make different sounds, like whistles, chirps, trills, and warbles. They can even copy the sounds they hear around them, like other birds or even car alarms! It's like they're having a conversation with their songs.
Starlings are helpful to the environment. They eat insects that might bother plants and crops. This makes them like little pest control superheroes! They also provide homes for other birds by making nests in tree holes or buildings. When they're done with their nests, other birds can move in and make it their home.
Even though starlings are doing well right now, it's important to remember to take care of them and their habitats. We can help by not destroying their homes and providing safe places for them to build nests. We can also learn more about starlings and share that knowledge with others to help protect these special birds.
With our nest box cameras, people have been able to capture magical moments of our feathered friends. Using our camera for a bird box, you'll be able to witness your own moments, whether you're watching on TV, Smartphone & Tablet. If you would like to find out more, click the relevant link below to find the products that suit you best.
Watch Nesting Birds on TV
Watch Nesting Birds on Smartphone or Tablet
Wired Bird Box Cameras
Wireless Bird Box Cameras
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Available from £119 (Buy Now)
Here's Evening Standard's understanding of the camera:
"This camera kit is designed to be inserted inside a nest box before birds come looking for somewhere to have their babies in the spring. It gives you a wide field of view inside the box, and supplies 1080p video to your computer or tablet down a cable that needs to be plugged into your internet router - it receives power over the same cable, cutting down on the disruption to your nestbox you’ll cause by fitting it.
There’s sound, via the built-in microphone, and night vision too, and the camera is waterproof so it can cope with showers of rain while in position. If 1080p video isn’t good enough, there’s a 4K version too, but it’s more expensive."
You can find Evening Standards full article on the Best Birdwatching Cameras of 2023 by clicking below.
]]>Found in the forests of Central and South America, the Green Jay enchants with its stunning plumage. Sporting vibrant green feathers, a black face, and a prominent blue crest, this social and intelligent bird's lively vocalizations and playful nature make it a true gem of the avian world.
In the tropical regions of the Americas, the Green Honeycreeper is a dazzling sight. Males boast a luminous turquoise-green plumage, adorned with a black mask and wings. These small birds flit among flowering trees, using their slender, curved bills to sip nectar and feast on small fruits.
The Western European hedgehog is the most widespread and well-known species found throughout the UK. Recognized for its round body covered in sharp spines, this hedgehog typically grows to around 20 centimeters (8 inches) in length. They sport a mixture of brown, gray, and black spines that provide excellent camouflage in natural habitats. Western European hedgehogs are predominantly nocturnal and feed on a variety of invertebrates, such as worms, beetles, and slugs.
The Northern White-Breasted hedgehog is a subspecies of the Western European hedgehog and is prevalent in northern parts of the UK, particularly Scotland. These hedgehogs have distinct white fur on their bellies, setting them apart from other species. They are well-adapted to colder climates and have been observed in higher altitudes. Like their relatives, they feed on insects, small mammals, amphibians, and even birds' eggs when available.
While not native to the UK, it's worth mentioning the long-eared hedgehog, as it has gained popularity as a pet in recent years. Originating from regions such as Central Asia and the Middle East, these hedgehogs have endearing elongated ears that aid their exceptional hearing abilities. Although their ownership is regulated, enthusiasts can sometimes find them in specialized rescue centres.
Chiffchaffs are migratory birds that arrive in the United Kingdom during early spring. Their presence is often associated with the return of warmer weather, bringing a sense of renewed life to our surroundings. These delightful songbirds are well-known for their punctual breeding habits, commencing their nesting season during the month of April. As spring transitions into June, their nests can be found in various locations, including low shrubs, dense vegetation, or on the ground.
The female Chiffchaff diligently constructs a well-hidden nest using grass, moss, and other plant materials, creating a cosy and secure environment for their precious eggs. A typical clutch consists of four to six creamy-white eggs, which she incubates for approximately two weeks. Once the eggs hatch, both parents actively participate in feeding and caring for their nestlings. The devotion and teamwork displayed by Chiffchaff parents exemplify their commitment to ensuring the survival and growth of their young.
Chiffchaffs play a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of our ecosystems. As insectivorous birds, they predominantly feed on small invertebrates, including caterpillars, flies, and spiders. Their foraging habits contribute to the control of insect populations, making them valuable allies in natural pest management. By attracting Chiffchaffs to our gardens through the provision of suitable habitat and native plants, we can create harmonious environments that benefit both these delightful birds and our own green spaces.
Despite their adaptability, Chiffchaff populations face various challenges. Habitat loss, climate change, and the use of pesticides all impact their survival. To support these charismatic birds, we can contribute to their conservation efforts by creating bird-friendly environments. Planting native trees and shrubs, providing water sources, and avoiding the use of harmful chemicals are all essential steps towards creating safe spaces where Chiffchaffs can thrive.
Hedgehogs have experienced a drastic decline, primarily due to habitat loss, changes in agriculture, urbanization, and increased predation. Factors such as the loss of hedgerows, fragmented habitats, intensified farming practices, and urban barriers have all contributed to their diminishing numbers.
Despite the challenges, ongoing efforts are being made to protect hedgehogs. Initiatives include creating hedgehog-friendly habitats, raising public awareness, and implementing conservation measures. Individuals can contribute by making their gardens hedgehog-friendly, avoiding pesticide use, and providing shelters to connect fragmented habitats.
Providing a safe space for hedgehogs to take shelter in is a simple way you can help keep our spiky friends safe from harm. If you're not familiar with what we do, we provide an array of wildlife cameras along with habitats. Giving you the opportunity to not only safeguard one of these adorable creatures but also get up close and personal with them. We have a whole range dedicated to Hedgehog House Cameras, a combination of both our state of the art camera technology and handcrafted Hedgehog Habitats.
You can grab one of our Hedgehog Houses or Feeding Stations below!
Maybe pair either with our popular WiFi Camera?
Hedgehog House/Feeding Station with WiFi Connection - From £222
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Scotland's vast wilderness and dramatic landscapes are home to some of the rarest birds in the UK. One such bird is the Scottish Crossbill (Loxia scotica), a specialist species found nowhere else in the world. With its unique bill adapted to extracting seeds from pinecones, this elusive bird can be spotted in the Caledonian pine forests of the Scottish Highlands.
In Northern Ireland, the globally threatened Red Kite (Milvus milvus) stands out as one of the rarest and most iconic species. Once extinct in the region, a reintroduction program in the early 2000s successfully restored its population. Now, these magnificent birds of prey can be seen soaring above the scenic landscapes of the Causeway Coast and the Mourne Mountains.
Wales boasts stunning coastal regions and picturesque national parks, providing habitat for a range of unique bird species. Among the rarest birds in Wales is the Black Grouse (Lyrurus tetrix), a distinctive bird known for its elaborate courtship displays. Populations are concentrated in upland areas such as the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia, where lucky birdwatchers might catch a glimpse of this elusive species.
The South West of England is a haven for nature lovers, with its diverse habitats attracting a wide array of bird species. The charming Cirl Bunting (Emberiza cirlus) stands out as a rare bird found primarily in this region. Thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, this species has made a remarkable recovery from near extinction, with strongholds in Devon and Cornwall.
The South East of England offers a mix of urban landscapes and nature reserves, providing shelter for some unique bird species. The Nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos) takes the spotlight as one of the rarest birds in this region. Known for its enchanting song, the Nightingale can be found in the ancient woodlands of Kent and Sussex during the breeding season, captivating lucky listeners with its melodious tunes.
The East of England is home to a variety of wetlands and coastal habitats that attract numerous bird species throughout the year. One notable rarity is the Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia), an elegant wading bird with a distinctive spoon-shaped bill. The RSPB reserve at Minsmere in Suffolk offers an excellent chance to observe these majestic birds as they forage in shallow waters.
The United Kingdom's rich biodiversity offers a treasure trove of avian wonders, including some of the rarest bird species in each region. From the Scottish Crossbill in the Highlands to the Nightingale in the South East, these remarkable birds remind us of the importance of conservation efforts to protect their habitats. Embark on your own birdwatching adventure and discover the rarest birds in the UK, immersing yourself in the beauty of nature and the enchanting world of birds.
If you wanna view nesting birds from the comfort of your own home, we might just be able to help you out. Over the years we've created a variety of different Bird Box Cameras to make it as accessible as possible! A favourite amongst our community is our WiFi Bird Box Camera, perfect for bringing nature indoors. With the Green Feathers app, watch nesting birds in HD on your smartphone or tablet. Simply connect the power, mount the camera in your bird box, and connect to your WiFi. Stream live, enjoy recorded footage, and share the highlights with friends and family.
Available for £149
]]>Hedgehogs need a place to call home, so start by providing suitable shelter. Leave patches of wild areas, such as dense shrubs, log piles, and leafy nooks, which offer ideal hiding spots for hedgehogs to rest, nest, and hibernate. Avoid excessive tidying or over-grooming your garden, as hedgehogs prefer a slightly wilder environment.
To encourage hedgehogs to visit your garden, it's crucial to create pathways or "hedgehog highways." These are small holes or gaps in fences and walls, allowing hedgehogs to roam freely between gardens in search of food, mates, and new territories. By connecting your garden to neighbouring spaces, you contribute to the hedgehog's overall habitat connectivity.
Providing a fresh water source is vital for hedgehogs, especially during dry spells. A shallow dish filled with water or a dedicated hedgehog water station can be easily maintained. Remember to keep the water source at ground level, as hedgehogs may struggle to access raised containers.
To attract hedgehogs with food, avoid using slug pellets or chemicals harmful to them. Instead, focus on creating a natural food supply. Hedgehogs enjoy feasting on insects, slugs, and worms. By avoiding pesticide use, you'll naturally cultivate an ecosystem that attracts their favourite prey. Additionally, you can supplement their diet with specialized hedgehog food or meaty cat/dog food (not fish-based), served in a shallow dish. If you're looking to purchase food for hedgehogs, we'd personally recommend having a look at Brambles range.
To ensure the safety of hedgehogs, remove potential hazards from your garden. Check for and cover any holes or trenches that could trap or harm these creatures. Remove or secure netting, as hedgehogs can become entangled. Avoid using slug pellets, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides, as they can harm hedgehogs and the food they rely on.
Hedgehogs are primarily nocturnal animals, so excessive lighting can disturb their natural behaviour and disrupt their feeding patterns. Minimize outdoor lighting or use motion sensor lights to reduce unnecessary illumination during the night.
Providing a purpose-built hedgehog nesting box can serve as an additional refuge, especially during the colder months. These boxes mimic natural nest sites and offer hedgehogs a warm and secure place to hibernate or rear their young. You can find various designs online or even create your own using suitable materials. If you prefer a convenient option, we can provide a simple handcrafted hedgehog house that will provide the perfect shelter for these delightful creatures.
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Our LED Daytime Lamp is a breakthrough device designed to simulate natural daylight within bird boxes. This ingenious innovation ensures that birds have ample light to navigate and interact within the confined space of their nesting area. The LED lamp emits a gentle and warm light, closely resembling natural sunlight, thus creating a comfortable environment for the avian inhabitants. Not only does this light aid in regulating their circadian rhythms, but it also improves visibility for fledglings, enabling them to learn and explore their surroundings more effectively.
Another innovative feature provided by Green Feathers is the option of opaque windows for bird boxes. These windows are specially designed to let in light while maintaining the privacy and security of the nesting birds. Circular Opaque windows allow diffuse light to enter the bird box, preventing direct exposure to harsh sunlight that could potentially harm the delicate hatchlings. By utilizing these windows, bird box owners can strike a perfect balance between light and protection, ensuring the well-being of the birds.
To facilitate this, they offer a DIY drill pack, which includes all the necessary tools and accessories for installing the circular opaque windows. This user-friendly pack allows bird box owners to make modifications easily and safely, without the need for professional assistance.
At Green Feathers we're always looking at ways to revolutionise the way we approach bird box design and maintenance with innovative solutions. By introducing the LED Daytime Lamp, opaque windows, and the DIY drill pack, we've hopefully made it easier than ever for bird enthusiasts to create a welcoming and well-lit environment for nesting birds. These advancements not only benefit the birds themselves but also provide a unique opportunity for observation and enjoyment for people like ourselves and you. So, if you are looking to brighten up your bird box and enhance the nesting experience for our feathered friends, Green Feathers' range of accessories is certainly worth exploring.
]]>Hedgehogs are the Homer Simpsons of the animal world. They will munch on just about anything. But is ‘just about anything’ good for them? Nope. Surprising foods, including some treats that are very commonly fed by most well-meaning people, are actually really, really bad for them.
Find out what you should definitely not feed your spiky friends, and which foods make happy healthy hedgehog tummies.
Want to watch hedgehogs in your garden? Keep an eye on your hedgehog's activity with a wildlife camera or install a bird box camera near the entrance to your hedgehog's nesting site.
Public awareness around global warming is on the rise – finally and thankfully. But partly linked to this climate crisis, we’ve also got a more silent crisis going on here, under our very noses. Natural habitats for native animals are rapidly declining, causing a massive fall in population numbers for many species such as skylarks, red squirrels, the small blue butterfly, bees and hoverflies, long-eared bats, and wildcats.
Among the seriously struggling species is our beautiful hedgehog. Sir David Attenborough mentioned it in his conference presentation of The State of Nature report: hedgehog populations have already halved over the past 25 years.
One of the causes? As much as 90% of meadows have disappeared from the British countryside, rendering them homeless. And hungry.
With the loss of meadows and hedges, hedgehogs have come to rely more and more on survival in urban areas, that’s right, in our parks and gardens. They travel many miles each day to find food, often going the extra mile to find wild spots like piles of leaves etc. to hide in. Facing the perils of lawnmowers riding by or unaware gardeners raking them up. They are also at high risk of being run over by cars, especially if they can’t find safe passageways from garden to garden and are forced to cross the roads daily.
With nature also being increasingly deprived of insects to eat, they depend on the munchies we provide them. Big shout-out to everyone who is doing their best to help them!
But food aid, with the best intentions, may be causing damage as well. The effects of a poor hedgehog diet can be pretty severe, the main one being Metabolic Bone Disease.
Metabolic Bone Disease, or MBD, is already a familiar issue within aviary, bird, and reptile communities. It is relatively new when it comes to hedgehogs. Recent years show a sure increase of MBD diagnoses in hedgehogs.
Hedgehogs are at risk of MBD once they start having a calcium/phosphorus imbalance in their body, which makes them suffer and will eventually kill them.
Symptoms of MBD in Hedgehogs:
There are several causes for Metabolic Bone Disease, such as:
One of the main culprits is poor diet, especially when there is too little calcium in relation to too much phosphorus in their food, or vice versa. And that’s something we can have a direct influence on. We can stop feeding them mealworms and sunflower hearts, for example.
But they love mealworms!
Yes, because they are total Homer Simpsons! They’re all for munching on the yum stuff. Especially the stuff that’s bad for them: anything extra salty, sweet, or fatty. A bit like us, really. But unlike us, they don’t know it’s bad for them.
The ideal hedgehog’s total diet would have a calcium to phosphorus ratio of 2:1 to 1:1. Anything outside that range can quickly cause them a whole heap of health hazards.
Take sunflower hearts, they have a disastrous ratio of 1:15! And mealworms one of 1:7. Furthermore, mealworms are highly addictive to hedgehogs, soon making them only want to consume those. Other poor ratio foods are beetles, peanuts, and crickets.
It’s best not to give these at all, not even as a snack. Chances are they find some of those treats in the wild already anyway, and with a lack of decent, suitable insect nutrition in the wild, we can help them at least get their regular fill of proper food.
Besides poor calcium:phosphorus ratio grub, another big no-no is dairy. Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant. Milk and cheese will give them bad diarrhoea and can lead to serious illness as well.
As for sweet treats like raisins, sultanas, currants, dried berries and the like: go easy, or better still, leave it out completely. Hedgehogs will take any chance they get to daily gnarf down food with high sugar content, giving them serious tooth decay and further digestion issues.
Bread: no, hedgehogs can’t digest it.
No large chunks of meat either, especially not red meat: their tiny teeth can’t tear or chew large pieces.
No bacon or corned beef: too salty.
Fish is hard to digest, they don't come across it naturally either.
Eggs are not recommended as they have a calcium:phosporus ratio of 12.12:1.
No cheap cat or dog food as they can contain lots of chemical additives, sugar, and again, a poor calcium/phosphorus balance.
Let’s table it up. So you can quickly check what not to put on a hedgehog’s dining table. Foods that you should not give to hedgehogs:
BAD food for hedgehogs |
Reason |
Mealworms |
Poor calcium:phosphorus ratio: 1:15 |
Sunflower hearts |
Poor calcium:phosphorus ratio: 1:7 |
Peanuts |
Poor calcium:phosphorus ratio: 1:6 |
Crickets |
Poor calcium:phosphorus ratio: 1:6 |
Beetles |
Poor calcium:phosphorus ratio: 1:3 |
Cheaper cat/dog food brands |
Poor calcium:phosphorus ratio Chemical additives High sugar content |
Dairy (cow’s milk and cheese) |
Lactose intolerance |
Raisins, sultanas, currants, berries |
High sugar content |
Bread |
Hedgehogs cannot digest this well |
Large chunks of meat |
Hedgehog teeth are too tiny to tear or chew big pieces |
Bacon or corned beef |
Too salty |
Fish | Hard to digest, not natural |
Eggs | Poor calcium:phosphorus ratio of 12.12:1 |
Fruit/veg | High sugar and/or starch content |
So what should you feed hedgehogs? What foods can they actually eat?
Foods that have a – you guessed it – good calcium:phosphorus ratio for example. This will maintain good hedge-health and keep away scary diseases like MBD. It will also not be sugary or salty and won’t contain dairy, wheat, or nasty additives.
Occasionally giving small pieces of low-fat meat such as chicken breast works too, as a snack (no more than a teaspoonful a day).
Do make sure to replace wet food daily as it can go off quickly in the summer. And it’s best to stick to dry food in winter as wet food can freeze.
And of course, last but not least: leave out a shallow bowl of fresh water every day!
Do Feed (refresh daily) |
Do Not Feed |
|
|
Besides feeding hedgehogs healthy meals, there is lots more you can do to help hedgehogs live hedgily-ever-after.
For example:
Thank you for reading and big hogs to you for helping our spiky garden friends 🦔💚🦔
]]>We have our own Bird Seed Feeder to help you get started supplementing birds. Plastic-free and squirrel proof. For those wanting to get a close view we'd highly recommend the WiFi Bird Feeder Camera Bundle
A bird-friendly garden will not only enhance the beauty of your space but also provide a sustainable food source for songbirds. Here are some favourite bird-friendly plants to consider:
Similarly to bird feeders, we do provide bird boxes to give your garden birds somewhere to stay, along with a variety of steel cover plates to shape the whole for your desired bird.
If you're interested in bringing nature indoors, we can help you in capturing these magnificent creatures in stunning quality. Our WiFi Bird Box Camera has become a beloved fan-favourite within the bird watching community. The camera can be placed within a birdbox and stream straight to your smartphone or tablet in HD, or playback recorded footage ensuring you don't miss a thing. Setting the camera up is very simple, as is pairing the camera with your device using the official Green Feathers app. Let us help you have a window to the wild today!
]]>Welcome to Green Feathers' "Bird of the Month" series! As spring reaches its end, we turn our attention to the remarkable swift, an agile bird known for its impressive flight and unique late May nesting behaviour in the UK. Join us as we explore the world of swifts, their characteristics, nesting habits, and the significance they hold as summer approaches.
The swift, scientifically known as Apus apus, is a bird renowned for its exceptional flying abilities. With long, streamlined wings and swift speeds of up to 70 miles per hour, these birds are true masters of the sky. Their mesmerizing flight displays, and acrobatic manoeuvres are a sight to behold, capturing the hearts of bird enthusiasts and nature lovers.
One fascinating aspect of swifts is their unique nesting behaviour, which begins in late May. Swifts are known for their strong fidelity to nesting sites, returning to the same location year after year. They prefer nesting in nooks and crevices of buildings, utilizing their saliva to create cup-shaped nests. This behaviour has led to a harmonious relationship between swifts and humans, as many people provide dedicated nesting spaces for these captivating birds.
Swifts are highly social birds, often nesting in colonies, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere. Breeding pairs work together to care for their young. Both parents contribute to incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks. They catch insects in mid-air, gathering them in their throats before regurgitating them into the mouths of their hungry offspring. This cooperative parenting ensures the swift chicks receive the necessary nourishment for healthy development.
Preserving suitable nesting sites is crucial for the survival of swift populations. Modern building practices have reduced natural nesting opportunities. However, conservation initiatives are underway to raise awareness and provide artificial nesting spaces. Retrofitting buildings with swift nest boxes or using specially designed nest bricks can help protect these magnificent birds and ensure their continued presence in our skies.
At Green Feathers, we are committed to promoting bird conservation and offering innovative products that allow you to observe and appreciate these incredible creatures up close. Our bird box cameras provide a unique and immersive experience, allowing you to witness the nesting activities of swifts and other bird species right from the comfort of your home. Capture precious moments, learn about their behaviour, and contribute to citizen science by recording valuable data. Our WiFi Bird Box Camera is particularly adored by bird watching enthusiasts, with a simple setup and instant viewing wherever you are on smartphone or tablet using the official Green Feathers app.
Late May brings the return of swifts to the UK, offering a glimpse into their aerial wonders and unique late nesting habits. Their swift flight and dedicated parenting inspire awe and admiration. Let us appreciate these remarkable birds, support conservation efforts, and ensure the continued presence of swifts in our skies for generations to come. Browse the Green Feathers site to discover our range of bird box cameras and other products that promote bird conservation plus provide a window into the fascinating world of swifts and other avian species.
Are you fascinated by the wonders of nature? Do you enjoy observing the captivating behavior of wildlife in your own backyard? If so, the Green Feathers Hedgehog Box Camera Deluxe Bundle is the perfect tool to enhance your wildlife monitoring experience. This innovative bundle combines cutting-edge technology with environmental consciousness, allowing you to connect with and protect the natural world like never before.
One of the standout features of the Hedgehog Box Camera Deluxe Bundle is its WiFi connection capability. This feature revolutionizes the way you interact with the camera, providing seamless access to live footage and control options from your smartphone or computer. With just a few taps on your device, you can stream real-time videos, capture high-quality images, and even adjust camera settings remotely. Whether you're at home, work, or on the go, you'll always be connected to the captivating wildlife right outside your doorstep.
But what truly sets the Green Feathers Hedgehog Box Camera Deluxe Bundle apart is its commitment to the environment. The box camera itself is designed to be eco-friendly, constructed from sustainable materials that blend harmoniously with any natural setting. It provides a safe and cozy habitat for hedgehogs, encouraging them to visit and seek refuge while you gain valuable insights into their behavior.
In addition, the WiFi connectivity enables you to be a responsible wildlife steward. By keeping an eye on the activities within the Hedgehog Box Camera Deluxe Bundle, you can ensure the hedgehogs are safe and protected. You can monitor potential threats such as predators, weather changes, or disturbances, allowing you to take proactive measures to safeguard these adorable creatures and their habitat.
The Green Feathers Hedgehog Box Camera Deluxe Bundle is more than just a monitoring device; it's an educational tool as well. With the WiFi connection, you can share live feeds and images with friends, family, or even schools, raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation. By capturing and sharing captivating moments of nature in action, you can inspire others to appreciate and protect the natural world.
Installation and setup of the Hedgehog Box Camera Deluxe Bundle are quick and straightforward. The bundle includes a comprehensive user manual and online support, ensuring that even those with limited technical expertise can effortlessly get started. The camera is designed to withstand various weather conditions, ensuring durability and reliable performance year-round.
Investing in the Green Feathers Hedgehog Box Camera Deluxe Bundle is not only an investment in your personal enjoyment but also in the preservation of the environment. By providing a safe haven for hedgehogs and promoting environmental awareness, you play a vital role in protecting our planet's biodiversity.
So, whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, a nature lover, or an aspiring conservationist, the Green Feathers Hedgehog Box Camera Deluxe Bundle is the perfect companion for your wildlife monitoring journey. Experience the thrill of connecting with nature, while making a positive impact on the world around you. Embrace the future of wildlife monitoring with the Green Feathers Hedgehog Box Camera Deluxe Bundle and discover the wonders of the natural world like never before.
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You’ve just finished setting up your new Bird Box Camera, you’re excited to see which birds will take up residence in your little establishment. It’s been a week since, very little action so far. Now you’re starting to wonder, When Do Birds Start Nesting? Well let us answer that for you, along with providing some other useful information about birds you might not have already known!
In the UK, the Nesting Season is widely recognised as beginning in late February and ending around August. With March to July often being the ‘busiest’ period for nesting. Climate change has also played a part in this, gradually causing the nesting season to begin much earlier than it was just a few decades ago.
They don’t! During different times of the year, you’re more likely to spot certain species of birds nesting than others. This happens for a multitude of reasons, with the main factor being Food.
Way ahead of schedule comes in the Crosshill, commonly spotted in Scotland. Crosshills begin nesting in JANUARY. They’re closely followed by Ravens & Long Tailed Tits nesting in February. Then as March arrives so do Blackbirds and the UK Garden favourites, Robins start nesting.
As Summer gets underway, a number of birds will migrate to the UK such as Swallows & Sparrows. Aside from these travellers, seed eaters such as Finches will start nesting at this time to ensure a steady supply of food.
The bird watcher’s dream. You’ve done all the prep work. Nesting season is firmly underway and you’ve accessorised your Bird Box to your liking. Then the moment arrives, a bird has taken a liking to the lovely nest box you’ve set up for them and now you’re up-close enjoying nature’s beauty go to work. Here's an example captured by the Green Feathers community of what this could look like you!
We're constantly sharing content like this from bird watchers around the country over on the Green Feathers Instagram. Be sure to follow and check it out for more nesting content!Photo by Patrice_Audet on Pixabay
Are you an avid birdwatcher or just an admirer of nature? Either way, the Big Garden Bird Watch is an exciting event that you don’t want to miss out on. Every year, birdwatchers from all over the world participate in this event to help monitor the health of birds and their habitats. Here’s everything you need to know about the Big Garden Bird Watch and how to participate in it.
The Big Garden Bird Watch is an annual event organized by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). The world’s largest wildlife survey, it's held every year during the last weekend of January. .
The Big Garden Bird Watch has been running since 1979, this event helps scientists to gain an understanding of the number and types of birds in the UK and is one of the longest-running citizen science projects in the world. Participants are asked to spend some time each day counting the birds they see in their own gardens or a local park. The data they collect is then used to create a ‘snapshot’ of the UK’s bird population, which is shared with conservationists, researchers and policy makers.
Bird watching is an enjoyable activity that can be done by people of all ages and abilities. It can also be done almost anywhere, from your own back garden to a nearby park or even made into a day out at a National Trust or Wildlife Trust reserve. Bird watching is an excellent way to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the natural world.
Taking part in the Big Garden Bird Watch is easy and fun! All you need to do is spend one hour counting the birds you see in your garden or a nearby park. You can even do it in your own home if you have access to a window with a good view of the outdoors.
Visit The Big Garden Bird Watch website here, where you can register to take part in the event.
Bird watching can be a relaxing and enjoyable activity, but it can also be a bit daunting if you don’t know what you’re doing. Here are some tips to ensure that your bird watching experience is as enjoyable as possible:
Make sure to take regular breaks. Bird watching can be tiring, so make sure to take breaks in between sessions.
When it comes to bird watching, the right equipment can make all the difference. Here’s a list of the essential items you’ll need:
The type of birds you’ll see will depend on the area you’re in. For example, if you’re in a coastal area you’ll likely see seabirds such as gannets, guillemots, and razorbills. If you’re in a woodland area, you may spot woodpeckers, finches, and thrushes.
Bird watching can be done all year round, but the types of birds you’ll see will vary depending on the season. In the spring and summer months, you’ll likely see more birds such as swallows, warblers, house martins, and swifts. In the autumn and winter, you’ll spot more birds such as starlings, ravens, and wrens.
The Big Garden Bird Watch is a great way to connect with nature and help scientists to understand more about the UK’s bird populations and their habitats. It’s an event that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, and it’s a great way to get outside and appreciate the beauty of the natural world.
So if you’re an avid birdwatcher or just an admirer of nature, make sure to take part in the Big Garden Bird Watch! You won’t regret it.
]]>Please note this is the most up-to-date schedule from our postal providers. At present, due to planned industrial action, parcels are taking much longer than usual to arrive. We advise you to order your gifts early if you can this year to avoid any disappointment.
Remember, you can always buy a gift card for your family, friends or loved ones if you're not sure what might take their fancy. If you do find yourself in a pickle when it comes to picking out the perfect present, our digital gift cards are available immediately throughout the festive period.
Have a gift to buy for a nature lover, bird watcher or garden enthusiast? We know it can often be hard to choose. So, take a look at the gifts on the top of our Christmas list. 10% off today with code XMAS10!
We have just seen the final sign off of nearly 12 months of design and development work on our Green Feathers app. You may have experienced some of these changes throughout the year, but the final parts went live in recently, which you will see when you log into the camera as the colours have changed.
Many of the changes are the results of listening to feedback from our customers and by our mantra here ‘Can your Gran do it?’, where we strive to take technical products and make them easy to use. It’s a long journey and we’re not 100% there yet, but we hope you can agree that the app is much better than it used to be.
We are planning more improvements and tweaks in the future, and work has already started on a new phase. So please let us know if there is anything you notice that you think could be improved. All ideas are considered and added to our development board.
So what actually are the changes? Let's take a look.
1. Overall: a refreshed look featuring our revamped logo. The language and wording has been reviewed throughout the app. All intended to provide you with a more user-friendly experience.
2. Login and register screens now more intuitive and clean, using our brand green to highlight active buttons.
3. Login using Google option so you don't have to create a new account.
4. Set-up language is more 'garden' rather than 'home' orientated.
5. Add Camera setup has undergone significant review and user-testing making the process more intuitive, clear, straight-forward and stress-free:
6. We have updated the default, straight-out-of-the-box camera settings to: enable motion detection, enable event recording, enable local recording when an SD card is present, add time/date stamp to recordings, automatically update the camera.
7. Improved playback interface and functionality:
8. Customised Cloud Storage! This is a great feature which allows you to store your photos/videos of nesting birds online. We now offer 4 options to choose from based on your requirements. The best part is, all options come with a 1-month free trial.
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