Scary to think how many weathered nest boxes are on bluebird trails all across North America. I know it was 10 years ago now but thanks for making this video.
Nice test. Did you ever compare the different types of birdhouses, like the Gilbertsons bluebird box (which they claim is most effective at keeping predators out), versus your wood pained one with extra venting? If possible, it’s a good idea to locate the birdhouse where it gets afternoon shade, when the temperature is the hottest.
Thank You ,,heats up quick early spring here and with dead trees missing we have a jump in bluebirds and small woodpeckers looking for homes ,I got a gourd dried that 20 inch long and 6 fat needs cleaned for seeds so might try a duplex item to wire on my polegarden area ,,nice to listen too while weeding vegs ..bluejays always patrol swooping the cat as she follows me out ,,at times I think they are playing tag from row to row ambush and perch ..But I do keep kitty inside on fleg day
Perhaps it'd be worth putting a second/false roof over the box, which would provide a larger shade profile beneath, to help keep the direct sunlight off of the box, during mid day. How about growing a vive on the pole, such as peas, wild yam, catbriar, virgin's bower (Clematis virginiana), etc.?....
Love the vid. Wonder what 2nd roof would be. Also what kind of shield did you use? I wonder if the shield was holding in heat. wonder what perforations would have done to the shields.
Wow. That's an eye opener. I live in Central AL where it gets crazy hot too. What kind of paint is safe to use on nest boxes? I find a lot of mixed information about that online. Great video!
Hi thanks for your post. I use regular spray paint from local hardware store. Do this when the box is empty since paint fumes could be harmful to birds. In an emergency with birds in box you can add light colored heat shields without harming them. If birds are close to fledging you will need to block the hole so they don't prefledge when you are drilling the holes for installation. Here is a link with tons more information: www.zbestvalue.com/birdsandnature.htm
In Texas and other southern states bluebirds will nest usually at least 3 times per season. There are reports that in Texas and Florida they can even do 4. Where I live in South Carolina they usually do 3 nests per season. If you host nest boxes for birds you NEED TO PAINT YOUR BOXES A LIGHT COLOR! Dark weathered boxes are a death trap for baby nestlings if the box receives direct sunlight in the hot summer.
They need to face east with sun blocked from behind. They'll need the heat in the morning and don't need it in the afternoon. Unless you are using low emmissivity paint all paint is essentially black to heating from sunlight.
"All paint is essentially black to heating from sunlight." Not sure what you mean here. My tests prove unequivocally that different colors do affect the temperatures inside a nest box. Darker colors are hotter and lighter colors are cooler.
No they don't care. If you put up a light colored box correctly with a metal pole, baffle and away from foliage this represents PRIME and relatively safe bluebird real estate.
This Video is about best for Heat & Ventilation. The natural Wood performs the worst & lighter best. So painting Box light color seems to make the most sense.
Exceptional video...I wonder what the reading is of a hollowed tree that bluebirds use in nature? But at least I know light painting is by far the coolest house in town.
My wife saw your test video with the bluebird houses next to each other. i explained that this was only to test the temps inside. She asked if more than one house can be put up in the yard (we have 1 1/4 acres,w/one blue bird house)?
Sure but I would probably space them out at least 75-100 feet apart. Bluebirds have territories they defend but other species like chickadees. titmice and tree swallows can use them. I have my bluebird box in the front yard and chickadee box in the back on the edge of the woods. The back box was even used by a pair of Carolina Wrens once. For more information check out this forum: bluebirdnut.com/forums/forum/bluebird-chatter/
Scary to think how many weathered nest boxes are on bluebird trails all across North America. I know it was 10 years ago now but thanks for making this video.
Nice test. Did you ever compare the different types of birdhouses, like the Gilbertsons bluebird box (which they claim is most effective at keeping predators out), versus your wood pained one with extra venting?
If possible, it’s a good idea to locate the birdhouse where it gets afternoon shade, when the temperature is the hottest.
Thank you for taking the time to register the temperatures.
Always cover vent slots with 1/4" mesh wire to deter snakes.Also protecting the entry hole with mesh helps too.Videos on TH-cam for instructions.
Entry Hole, too? how would the Birds gain access ?
Can u do a test on Rainbow color? I'm from California
Thank You ,,heats up quick early spring here and with dead trees missing we have a jump in bluebirds and small woodpeckers looking for homes ,I got a gourd dried that 20 inch long and 6 fat needs cleaned for seeds so might try a duplex item to wire on my polegarden area ,,nice to listen too while weeding vegs ..bluejays always patrol swooping the cat as she follows me out ,,at times I think they are playing tag from row to row ambush and perch ..But I do keep kitty inside on fleg day
Awesome study! Huge thanks for showing that a box painted with light color paint is best in high heat areas.
Great test thanks. Looks like a white wash is very useful.
White is the best but light tan is virtually as good if you don't want your box that bright.
Perhaps it'd be worth putting a second/false roof over the box, which would provide a larger shade profile beneath, to help keep the direct sunlight off of the box, during mid day. How about growing a vive on the pole, such as peas, wild yam, catbriar, virgin's bower (Clematis virginiana), etc.?....
Vines make it easy for snakes to gain bluebird chicks for lunch.
Heat shields can be added to a box to further reduce heat. But the biggest benefit happens with the box being a light color.
White REFLECTS & Dark ABSORBS - easy rule of Thumb to always consider
Love the vid. Wonder what 2nd roof would be. Also what kind of shield did you use? I wonder if the shield was holding in heat. wonder what perforations would have done to the shields.
Shields are made of white Sintra 1/8 inch PVC. Lasts almost forever with zero maintenance. White color reflects the most heat of any color.
Thank you for sharing. God bless.
Wow. That's an eye opener. I live in Central AL where it gets crazy hot too. What kind of paint is safe to use on nest boxes? I find a lot of mixed information about that online. Great video!
Hi thanks for your post. I use regular spray paint from local hardware store. Do this when the box is empty since paint fumes could be harmful to birds. In an emergency with birds in box you can add light colored heat shields without harming them. If birds are close to fledging you will need to block the hole so they don't prefledge when you are drilling the holes for installation. Here is a link with tons more information: www.zbestvalue.com/birdsandnature.htm
Are birds nesting in July, in Texas? Here in Chicago, birds fledged long ago.
They're long gone. I can't see value in this data.
In Texas and other southern states bluebirds will nest usually at least 3 times per season. There are reports that in Texas and Florida they can even do 4. Where I live in South Carolina they usually do 3 nests per season. If you host nest boxes for birds you NEED TO PAINT YOUR BOXES A LIGHT COLOR! Dark weathered boxes are a death trap for baby nestlings if the box receives direct sunlight in the hot summer.
They need to face east with sun blocked from behind. They'll need the heat in the morning and don't need it in the afternoon. Unless you are using low emmissivity paint all paint is essentially black to heating from sunlight.
"All paint is essentially black to heating from sunlight." Not sure what you mean here. My tests prove unequivocally that different colors do affect the temperatures inside a nest box. Darker colors are hotter and lighter colors are cooler.
Find yourself some "low emmissivity" paint and you'll be surprised at the outcome of that.
Do bluebirds care what color the boxes are? Light paint vs natural looking wood?
No they don't care. If you put up a light colored box correctly with a metal pole, baffle and away from foliage this represents PRIME and relatively safe bluebird real estate.
This Video is about best for Heat & Ventilation. The natural Wood performs the worst & lighter best. So painting Box light color seems to make the most sense.
Exceptional video...I wonder what the reading is of a hollowed tree that bluebirds use in nature? But at least I know light painting is by far the coolest house in town.
I would guess that a tree would be noticeably cooler not only because of the insulation of the trunk but also due to shade from foliage.
My wife saw your test video with the bluebird houses next to each other. i explained that this was only to test the temps inside. She asked if more than one house can be put up in the yard (we have 1 1/4 acres,w/one blue bird house)?
Sure but I would probably space them out at least 75-100 feet apart. Bluebirds have territories they defend but other species like chickadees. titmice and tree swallows can use them. I have my bluebird box in the front yard and chickadee box in the back on the edge of the woods. The back box was even used by a pair of Carolina Wrens once. For more information check out this forum: bluebirdnut.com/forums/forum/bluebird-chatter/