Mine are facing east with a tall bamboo stand to the east of them about 20 feet, our house to the south about 10 feet. Behind them to the west is the fence with the neighbor, about 15 feet away. To the north is a tall grapefruit tree about 15 feet away. They get sun most of the day. They take off pretty much straight up and head right over the roof. I seldom see them coming and going over the neighbors to the west.