Mid-winter is the perfect time to put out a birdhouse. Even though there is still snow on the ground in many places and many bird species are still far to the south, it’s not too early. Chickadees, bluebirds, screech owls and woodpeckers are among the bird species that will use a birdhouse built and mounted to their specifications. All of these species stick around for the winter and at this time of year begin scouting out locations to build their nests come spring. If you have a birdhouse out now, these birds are likely to pick your yard as the place to raise their new family once spring arrives.

Tip: If cold or snowy weather is keeping you inside and you’re looking for a fun do-it-yourself project, consider building your own birdhouse instead of purchasing one. The Cornell Lab or Ornithology has plans for several different types of birdhouses, along with plans for predator guards to keep animals like raccoons, snakes and cats away from nesting birds. Visit http://www.birds.cornell.edu/nestinginfo/nestboxref/construct.

More helpful birdhouse-building tips are available from National Wildlife Federation: http://www.nwf.org/Get-Outside/Outdoor-Activities/Garden-for-Wildlife/Gardening-Tips/Tipsheets.aspx.

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