How do you decide where to put a new nest box? 
The birds tell us what buildings they find interesting or appealing. We then look at the building to figure out if all we need to do is add a box to a spot that would be perfect for nesting or if we need to create a spot that would be perfect for nesting. All of the West Winnipeg sites to-date are "created" to have nest appeal with a nestbox - without the box they technically couldn't nest there - no location, no gravel, no protection from wind or from rain and too open and vulnerable to predators. We also factor in what type of building is it (commercial, residential), what other buildings are nearby - need places for the birds to perch, roost, eat, copulate, etc on. We also look at what kind of food is nearby, how close or far to water, what kind of development, roads, etc, how close/far to the next territory ... you get the idea, lots of things to consider but it always starts with the birds and their preferences.
