Birds and houses

I don't know much about birds other than that I like them. I love watching them in my garden and I sure enjoy listening to their chirps and singing. But I had never paid much attention to how they like to live, or nest, until I came upon these grand birdhouses. Wow, what bird wouldn't like one of these fabulous pads?

After doing a little bit of research, I found that just like for us humans, location is key. Different birds like different locations for their nest. For example, some like theirs on a tree stump or on a fence. Others in the crotch of a tree, or on a ledge over your front door. And, a bird that is not picky at all about where he nests is the wren.

The purple martin nests in groups, he wants a minimum of four rooms. I suppose the birdhouses that look like an apartment complex are built for attracting this bird. I was a little surprised at how fascinating birds nesting habits are. There is so much to learn and a lot to take into consideration when building or buying a house.

I have birds nesting in my yard, but I don't have any birdhouses, yet. Every once in a while I see a nice birdhouse in a store and think maybe I should get one and hang it up. But I have never known that what kind of house I buy and where I put it will determine who nests in it, if anyone.