Build Homes for Wildlife

Nest Box Basics

Nest boxes for Bluebirds, Chickadees and other small songbirds

Nest boxes for Barred Owls

Nest boxes for Barn Owls

Nest boxes for Kestrels, Screech Owls and woodpeckers

Nest boxes for flying squirrels

Osprey platform

The Birdhouse Network
Building and placement instructions and live nestbox cams

Top 10 Ways to Help Nesting Birds

Attract Birds

Birdseed preferences and feeders

Super Suet Recipe

Live in harmony with your wild neighbors.

• What to do when birds swoop down on you

• What to do when you see raccoons and foxes during the day . . .
  Every spring, St. Francis Wildlife receives dozens of phone calls and emails like this one from people who are concerned about seeing normally nocturnal animals out during the day. They worry that these animals may be sick or might tangle with their pets. People also worry about them getting hit by cars. Many ask us to trap them.
  
  People see more foxes and raccoons during the day because this is “baby season,” and they are working day and night to feed their babies.
  
  Trapping and relocating one of these animals is pointless, because another individual will soon move in to fill the empty niche. These are also wily animals (“smart as a fox”), and it is nearly impossible to lure a healthy individual into a trap.
  
  One way to help them is to discourage neighbors from feeding wild mammals. Feeding concentrates them in unhealthy numbers and exposes them to traffic and pets; it is also illegal.
  
  
• Protect neighborhood foxes: Print and post this sign in your neighborhood:
  Baby foxes play and chase each other, just like puppies. Unfortunately, mama doesn't teach them to look both ways before crossing the street. It is so sad to see these beautiful animals dead on the road. Download a “Drive Slowly, Baby Foxes” sign. Print on large sheets of colored card stock, laminate and post around your neighborhood.
  
  
• Where birds are colliding with windows or glass doors, hang hawk or owl silhouettes or spider web stickers. These "Bird Savers" can be purchased inexpensively at local nurseries, or print this one.
  
  
• Barbed wire fences can be deadly to wildlife. Learn about wildlife-friendly alternatives to barbed wire.
  
  
• Plant native trees, shrubs and other vegetation to provide natural food, water, and cover for wildlife
  
  
• Avoid using chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Allow natural predators (birds, bats, opossums, foxes, reptiles and amphibians) to control pests. Many birds are killed by eating insects or rodents that have eaten a pesticide or rodenticide.
  
  
• Avoid cutting or pruning trees during breeding season. It is illegal to disturb an active bird's nes
  
  
• Leave dead trees and stumps standing. They provide homes and food for many creatures.
  
  
• Make your outdoor cat a happy and safe indoor pet and protect wildlife. Find out how.

Watching Wildlife

Birds and Bird Watching:
Birdwatching Basics, Checklist of Florida's 480 species of birds, activities for kids and much more.

Watchable Wildlife in Florida