- Categories:
- Animal
- Tags:
- ConservationEnvironmentWildlife
- Where:
- United Kingdom
- Date change rule:
- Every February 14 through 21
- Holiday emoji:
- 🐦
Nest Box Week takes flight every February 14 through 21, inspiring individuals to construct and install nest boxes to aid bird conservation. This annual observation highlights the critical need to protect bird habitats and boost declining populations. Join the movement by learning about local bird species, building a suitable nest box, and placing it safely in your garden.
Want to sponsor Nest Box Week? Learn how
Expected Nest Box Week Deals
As a Cause holiday, Nest Box Week focuses on community engagement and support for bird conservation rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the National Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology often promote educational resources, workshops on building nest boxes, and opportunities to donate to habitat restoration projects. Retailers like Wild Birds Unlimited and Droll Yankees may offer discounts on bird feeders, birdseed, and pre-built nest boxes, encouraging participation. Look for local nature centers and wildlife trusts to host events or offer guidance on suitable nest box designs for your region. We will update this page with confirmed live events and initiatives as February 14 approaches.
Platform Guide for Nest Box Week
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NestBoxWeek. Share photos and videos of your nest boxes, the birds they attract, or your birdwatching adventures.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #NestBoxWeek. Share tips for bird-friendly gardens, conservation facts, or local events supporting bird habitats.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NestBoxWeek. Join local birding groups to share experiences, ask questions, and find community projects.
Nest Box Week Hero
John James Audubon
History of Nest Box Week
In 1932, Edward Max Nicholson, an environmentalist, organized a meeting at the National History Museum, London, which is how the Oxford Scheme came into existence. It was in 1933 that the name British Trust for Ornithology (B.T.O.) was born. Edward Max Nicholson was the treasurer of B.T.O. and the secretary was Bernard William Tucker.
The B.T.O. started tracking migratory birds by placing a ring on the feet of the birds. This was done to get insight into the routes and to understand their behavior and habits. There are two projects that the British Trust for Ornithology conducts for collecting information. The first one is the Constant Efforts Sites (C.E.T.) project which is used for providing information about the population and the survival chances of the birds living in difficult terrains and climates. The second one is the Retrapping Adults for Survival (R.A.S.) which is used to collect information on the birds that are classified as endangered species. The British Trust for Ornithology also has a bird reserve named Nunnery Lake Site which is in Thetford, Norfolk.
In 1997 The British Trust for Ornithology and well-known bird care company, Jacobi Jayne & Co. initiated Nest Box Week to motivate people to build and place nest boxes in their gardens to provide the birds with a welcoming home. This was done as a step toward protecting the bird population. Every year people celebrate this week by making or buying beautiful nest boxes for the birds and keeping them in their yard.
Nest Box Week timeline
Edward Max Nicholson holds a meeting and the Oxford Scheme comes into existence.
The British Trust for Ornithology is founded with Max Nicholson as the treasurer.
The B.T.O. shifts its location to Thetford, Norfolk.
Nest Box Week is created by the B.P.O. and Jacobi Jayne & Co. to encourage people to do their part in protecting birds.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Nest Box Week
Local businesses can champion Nest Box Week by hosting educational workshops on bird-friendly gardening or nest box construction, perhaps partnering with a local nature center. Garden centers can offer discounts on native plants, bird feeders, and nest box materials, providing guidance on species-specific designs. Hardware stores might run a ‘build-your-own nest box’ competition, supplying materials and instructions. Restaurants with outdoor spaces could install nest boxes and highlight local bird species, raising awareness among patrons about urban wildlife conservation.
Nest Box Week FAQs
When is Nest Box Week?
In 2027, Nest Box Week will be observed from Sunday, February 14 through Sunday, February 21. It’s an ideal time to contribute to local bird conservation efforts.
How many bird species use nest boxes?
While the exact number varies by region and habitat, a significant portion of cavity-nesting birds rely on nest boxes, especially where natural tree hollows are scarce. Providing a suitable nest box can directly impact the breeding success of many local bird populations.
How popular is birdwatching?
The appeal of birdwatching continues to grow, attracting enthusiasts of all ages who seek to connect with nature. This widespread interest translates into substantial support for bird conservation, making it a powerful force for protecting avian habitats and species globally.
What is the difference between a birdhouse and a nest box?
A nest box serves a distinct biological purpose: to provide a secure site for birds to lay eggs and raise their young. Unlike decorative birdhouses, nest boxes are built with specific bird species in mind, considering factors like predator guards, ventilation, and drainage to maximize breeding success.
Nest Box Week Activities
Build a nest box
What better way to observe Nest Box Week than to build a nest box for the birds and hang it in your garden? If you feel like building a nest box is too daunting, then you can also buy one at the store. The idea is to give a home to our feathered friends.
Share it on social media
Let everyone know that you are celebrating this week. Take pictures of yourself with your nest box and post them on your social media page. You can also write articles about Nest Box week and post them online.
Teach the next generation
Teach the kids in the neighborhood about Next Box week and show them how to build nest boxes. You could even make it a competition with categories of prizes.
5 Facts About Birds That Will Blow Your Mind
They don't have teeth
Birds don't have teeth and rely on their gizzard for digestion.
They were used for delivering messages
Throughout history, birds, like pigeons and owls, have been used to deliver messages.
They descended from reptiles
It is said that birds descended from reptiles about 140 million years ago.
They have big eyes
A bird's eye can take up to 50% of its head.
They have a fast heartbeat rate
Birds can have a resting heartbeat of 400 bpm and 1,000 bpm while flying.
Why We Love Nest Box Week
It gives us a chance to do something for the birds
This day gives us a chance to do something for birds and the environment. Many bird species are going extinct at a rapid rate and many more are endangered. This is an opportunity for us to do our part in saving the birds.
It gives us a chance to be creative
This is a time to get together with your loved ones and let out the creativity and craftsmanship in you. Nest Box Week gives us a chance to work together with friends and family, which brings everyone closer.
It makes us part of something greater
This day makes us part of its aim — the conservation and protection of birds. It draws us into something more than the mundane routines of life.
Nest Box Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | February 14–21 | Sunday–Sunday |
| 2028 | February 14–21 | Monday–Monday |
| 2029 | February 14–21 | Wednesday–Wednesday |
| 2030 | February 14–21 | Thursday–Thursday |
| 2031 | February 14–21 | Friday–Friday |
Social Media Tips for Nest Box Week
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