Garden birds use nestboxes for shelter over winter as well as raising families in spring, and the RSPB appeals to gardeners to put theirs in the right place now, ready for winter roosting.
Nestboxes don't always sit unused over winter as many think, and you may have some unexpected winter guests.
Many birds use nestboxes during the winter for roosting or feeding. They often use the same boxes for nesting in spring.
We mustn't just erect them wherever we have space. Siting them wrongly could lead to babies baking to death if exposed to too much sunlight when the days warm up in spring.
Richard James, an RSPB Wildlife Adviser says: "It might seem early to think about siting nestboxes but as well as using them to shelter from cold, birds will start looking for suitable nest sites soon.
"Birds often use nestboxes as a place to roost or store food in winter.
"An amazing 61 wrens have been found roosting in one nestbox to shelter from the cold! The warmth generated in a communal roost saves them in harsh winters.
"Its vital that you choose the right place for your box - please don't just put them up on any old bit of wall or fence.
"The direction is vital. Unless there are trees or buildings shading the box during the day, they need to face between north and east to protect them from overheating in strong summer sunshine. This will also shelter them from our prevailing damp south westerly winds."
To find out more about nestboxes and where to site them visit www.rspb.org.uk.
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