By ALDONA BIRD
Newsroom@DominionPost.com
Many birds are already starting their first broods, but it isn’t too late to put up houses for later nesting birds and migratory species on their way from winter habitats.
DIYing birdhouses is a fun project for all ages. Building and decorating these little houses can teach basic woodworking skills, or you can turn it into an art project or jumping-off point for learning more about our feathered friends.
You can make a generic birdhouse and see who comes to enjoy it, or you can make one specific for the type of bird you want to attract.
There are lots of options for materials to use in making birdhouses. In addition to what type of birds you want to take up residence, things to consider when planning your project are what materials you have on hand and where you will place the birdhouse.
Using scraps of wood leftover from other projects is a great way to upcycle. Be sure not to use pressure-treated wood, as the chemicals used to treat the wood can harm birds.
If making a wooden birdhouse, you will need:
- Wood (3/4 boards work well)
- Nails or screws
- Hammer or drill
- Saw (circular or other)
- Tape measure
For an easy birdhouse without angles to cut, simply make a square. Hang it as a diamond shape, if you want the roof to slope — make the roof pieces an inch or so longer to overhang. Alternatively, you can hang it as a square for a modern-looking birdhouse.
Create a hole in the side you want to use as the front — using a drill is an easy way to make the door to your birdhouse. Different birds prefer different size holes, so again consider this if you are hoping to house a particular bird.
For a house-shaped birdhouse, cut your base piece (again, consider what type of bird you might want to attract), cut the roof pieces to overhang. The top of the roof boards should be cut at 90-degree angles, as should the abutting walls.
Make the walls as tall as you want aesthetically. Trace the shape of the remaining two walls and cut out of wood, or use other materials to close in the house.
The birdhouse shown here has two walls made of dry tree bark, nailed in place. The bark on the roof is decorative.
Add extra creative flair to your birdhouse by painting the outside in a solid color, a pattern or to look like a miniature human house. Glue upcycled materials onto the roof of the birdhouse to look like shingles, or add other materials to make it look like a fairy house.
You can make your birdhouses any shape — they do not have to be conventional or square!
For an easy kids’ project birdhouse, cut two equal triangles out of wood. Cut a square or rectangular piece equal to the triangles hypotenuse and an inch or two shorter than the length of large Popsicle sticks.
Glue, nail or screw the triangles to either end of the bottom piece, and have kiddos glue the Popsicle sticks to the edges of the triangles (they can overhang a little) as roof tiles.
You can mount your birdhouses on poles or hang them from branches or even the side of your house in an area that is not too frequently disturbed. Drill a hole through opposite sides of the birdhouse near the top and thread a wire through, or secure eye screws to two sides to loop wire through.
Hang your birdhouse high enough off the ground to be safe from predators, and grab your binoculars to enjoy watching wild birds make cozy homes.
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