What’s good nesting material to offer birds?

Birds may use lots of different kinds of nesting material. Here a Tufted Titmoue collects fur from a Virginia opossum. Photo by Cherie Bosela via Birdshare. — Birds may use lots of different kinds of nesting material. Here a Tufted Titmoue collects fur from a Virginia opossum. *Photo by Cherie Bosela via Birdshare.*

Birds often use nesting material that is offered to them to build their nests and insulate roosting cavities in the winter. For a full list of materials that you can provide, check out Providing Nest Material For Birds: Dos & Don’ts.

Keep in mind, that some material, such as dryer lint, may seem desirable, but can actually be dangerous to birds. Pet hair should only be offered from pets that have not received flea or tick treatments. Soft fluffy pet fur taken from the undercoat of a pet, or very fine fur like pet rabbit fur, may soak up water, so that too should be avoided.

Take a look at Attract Birds With Roost Boxes, and Attract Birds With Birdbaths for more information and ideas about how to provide for birds that visit your yard.