Looking to attract some new residents to your backyard?

The Carbon County Environmental Education Center’s annual bird box sale has taken flight, and folks can stop by to purchase homes suitable for Eastern bluebirds, tufted titmice and sparrows.

In fact, dozens of species of flying friends prefer to nest in cavities, said Susan Gallagher, center director.

“By cavity, I mean a hole in an old dead tree,” she said. “Since a lot of landowners will remove dead trees because they can be a hazard - you don’t want them falling on your house - a bird box is basically a fake, dead tree.”

Most folks like to attract Eastern bluebirds, tree swallows or house wrens to their backyards.

“And depending on what type of habitat you have, those are probably the most common you will see in those boxes,” Gallagher said.

While spring migration is a little ways away, Gallagher said it’s not too early to install bird boxes.

“Now is an excellent time, because it can sort of weather a little bit. The birds who will be returning will already see it and have time to get used to it in the landscape,” she said. “It won’t be sort of this alien structure that pops up. So now through March is an excellent time to get them up.”

A number of migratory birds will return by May, including tree swallows.

“They’ll be looking for a place to nest,” Gallagher said.

Even birds that overwinter in the area might stop by a box - not to raise young but for respite from the winter’s cold temperatures.

The center has its own boxes, which it has installed along its trails. They not only help the birds, but provide a first-hand glimpse into nature.

“It helps with education. We can stop and talk to the kids about improvements they can make in their own backyards,” Gallagher said.

Even in winter, the houses provide shelter for mice or other small critters.

“When you can open a box and show the kids a family of deer mice, they just lose their minds. They love it,” she said.

The boxes are available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis at the center, 151 E White Bear Dr., Summit Hill.

They can be purchased assembled and ready-to-hang, or as unassembled kits, which Gallagher said make for a great family project or weekend activity.

For more information, visit the center on Facebook or call 570-645-8597.

“This is a real and direct benefit to the birds who literally may have no place else to raise their young,” Gallagher said of the boxes.