Installing Bottle Nests - How Recycled DIY Birdhouses Attracted Red-Vented Bulbuls

Last year, before the summer, I installed two cut bottles in our garage space, hoping for some birds to build a nest. The idea was very simple: cut a bottle, poke two holes, and hang it up. The rewards were so satisfying when I watched a red-vented bulbul make its nest, lay eggs, and raise her three chicks. I couldn't stop myself from making a few more and installing them in my neighborhood this season.

Creating bird nests from recycled water bottles is a fun and eco-friendly way to help birds while reducing plastic waste. These nests provide a safe and comfortable place for small birds like Greenbuls, Sparrows, Leafloves, Bristlebills to build their homes, especially in urban environments where natural nesting sites are scarce.

• Empty plastic water bottles of 2 liters and above
• Scissors or utility knife
• Drill with small drill bit
• Nylon String or GI wire for hanging

• Arrange empty water bottles. We collected around 30 of these bottles from our friends and neighbors.
• Clean the water bottles thoroughly with dish washers.

• Roughly draw the layout.
• Use the scissors to cut across the line.
• Make sure there is enough space inside the nest to make a house.

• Drill small holes around the edges of the bottle where the strips are bent outward.
• Drill additional small holes at the base for drainage to keep the nest dry.

• Attach string or wire through the drilled holes at the top of the bottle to create a hanger.
• Make sure the nest hangs securely and can support the weight of small birds.

• Find a suitable spot in your garden, balcony, trees in parks, isolated corners of buildings to hang the bird nest.
• Ensure it’s in a sheltered area, away from predators and harsh weather.

This image is a close-up taken using my phone and tripod in our garage. This is a red-vented bulbul and her 2 babies and the third egg hatched two days after I clicked this on 22nd June 2024.

Repurposing empty water bottles into bird nests offers a creative and sustainable way to support bird populations and reduce plastic waste. Whether clustered together, arranged in tiers, mounted on walls, or suspended in chains, these nests provide safe and cozy spaces for birds to nest and raise their young. Embracing these innovative ideas not only benefits birds but also promotes environmental stewardship by upcycling plastic waste into functional and eco-friendly structures.