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.