Building A Birdhouse: Things To Know

So you want to build a birdhouse. A well-built birdhouse should be durable, keep out rain, not overheat, and be easy to clean. Keep these requirements in mind and let's get started.

1. First, determine types of birds you see around your backyard. Then figure out which ones will use a birdhouse. Some birds build nests in trees or bushes, such as doves, cardinals, and mockingbirds. Others may make their nests on ground or even burrows down in ground. Only cavity nesting birds will use a birdhouse. Examples of common cavity nesting birds are chickadees, flickers, and bluebirds. Determine type of bird that you wish to use birdhouse.

2. Determine dimensions of birdhouse. Most birds require different sizes of birdhouses as well as entrance holes. Below you will find a chart with some specs to build houses for various common cavity nesting birds:

3. When selecting wood to use, use plain untreated lumber. Do not use exterior grade plywood (contains formaldehyde) or pressure-treated lumber (contains toxic preservatives.) Plastic and metal often overheat in hot summer sun.

4. Almost time to pick out a birdhouse plan. First, however, remember these things about good houses: Has some type of ventilation holes or slots near roof so heat can escape. Normally these holes will be on sides of house - NOT roof - so rain will not drip in. •Roof is slanted enough to shed rain and extends well over entrance hole for protection from rain and sun. •No perch. Most people think that there should be a perch under entrance hole. However, birds nesting inside do not need a perch. The perch also invites predators or other birds to attack or bother parents and babies inside. •Has drain holes or small slots in bottom of nest box for drainage (you don't want those babies to be drowned during a storm!) •Has a door, roof, or side wall that can easily be opened to clean out nest box. Leftover nests can attract mites and other parasites as well as make more work for new occupants who must clear out old nest. •Inside wall beneath entrance hole is roughed up or has some type of grooves for baby birds to climb as they get older.

Garden Accessories

Nothing is more relaxing than sitting in a beautiful garden filled with flowers, greenery and garden accessories. There are so many different types of garden accessories available to enhance beauty and ambiance of your garden. From wind chimes to Pergolas to will be able to fulfill your fantasies and create a wonderful garden where not only you will enjoy spending many hours but your favorite birds can call home.

Wind chimes are wonderful garden accessories that many people enjoy. The soothing and harmonious sound of a wind chime can be very appealing as you rest or work in your garden. Wind chimes today, come in so many different varieties and styles that you may have a hard time deciding on which one you should choose for your garden. You will be able to choose from glass, pewter, wood, or even bamboo and styles can be from Victorian to simple. Each wind chime has a distinct personality that it will bring to your garden whether that is charming or whimsical. Along line of wind chimes you can also include a unique garden bell. These unique bells are so charming and inviting to behold in any garden.

Stepping stones are another way to bring your own personality into your garden. These wonderful garden accessories can be used to take your visitors through your magical array of plants and flowers. You will be able to place each stepping stone in just right location to enhance view of your magnificent garden. Even garden signs can be personalized to give your guests more information. You can just have your own name on sign or sayings like bunnies crossing or maybe choose a name for each section of your beautiful garden. With garden signs you will be able to enhance your garden and give it feel that you desire.