Many people have developed a passion for garden birding. We just love watching our little feathered friends fluttering about our gardens.
However, caring for the wild birds is not solely for our enjoyment, due to the massive growth of urbanisation the birds are finding it harder and harder to find places to eat and nest. For this reason it is important to regularly place food and water for the birds and to put up nesting logs/boxes.
Below we’ve discussed some important information about sisal nesting logs:
What are sisal nesting logs made from?
Sisal nesting logs are made from an Agava sisalana, a native plant to Central America. The sisal plant has become a nuisance in South Africa, spreading across the land. After the sisal plant has flowered and set seed, it dies, and leaves behind the stalks – these become the perfect shelters for nesting birds.
Elaine's Birding have designed their nesting logs with protective caps to help them last longer.
What type of birds can I expect to attract with a nesting log?
There are two types of cavity nesting species, these being, primary cavity nesters and secondary cavity nesters.
- Barbets
- Cardinal Woodpecker
Some common secondary cavity nesting species:
- Cape Glossy Starling
- Green hoopoes
- Grey Hornbills
- Sparrows
When is the best time to hang up nesting logs?
They can be hung up at any time during the year, we advise you to put them up in winter as the birds will have time to get accustomed to them for breeding time in spring.
Where and how do I mount my nesting log?
Choose a quiet, shady area away from predators (cats and dogs) and close to fresh food and water.
Mount the log securely onto the underside of a sloping branch/trunk using wire or rope.
Try to mount it on a branch/trunk that has a similar thickness to the nesting log.
The hole must be at the top of the nesting log when mounted.
The nesting log should be mounted between 2m-4m from the ground and should always face away from the sun.
Try placing the nesting logs opening in an area/direction that is shielded from the rain.
Good Afternoon,
Thank you for your kind and sound advice regarding the correct way to mount sisal Barbet nests.
I have mine totally upside down.
Now I can fix them and wait for the birds 🦅 to occupy the nests.
Kind regards,
Johan
Scheerpoort, Northwest South Africa 🇿🇦
Hello Digby. I do not know where in Ballito our supplier (Elaine’s Birding), supply logs. We are willing to courier by special consignment. Please contact us at george@naturesheart.co.za if you are interested.
Hello Mario. We provide a starter hole. There is no need to drill a deep hole as the barbets will dig the hole they need.
Hello Digby. I am not sure where Elaine’s Birding (our supplier) provides nesting logs in Ballito. We are willing to ship them by special order. Please email us at george@naturesheart.co.za .
Hello Mario. We provide a “starter” hole. This is all that is needed. The barbets will dig the hole they need from there on in.