During the warm season, the bustle of feathered friends can often be heard throughout backyards and parks. If you’re looking to bring some feathered friends to your very own backyard — why not give them a place to call home? With these simple steps you can make a birdhouse to provide shelter for local feathered friends for years to come.
1. Gather Your Building Materials: What You’ll Need for a DIY Birdhouse
A DIY birdhouse is an easy and fun project for any crafters or outdoor enthusiasts! With just a few basic materials, colors, and a little creative flair, you can create a beautiful functional home for many of your feathered friends. Following are the materials you will need to build your birdhouse:
- Plywood – This can be any thickness, but it should be untreated and unpainted. You will need enough to cover the base and sides of the house, plus extra to create the roof.
- Screws – You will need small screws and pilot holes to attach the roof and hang your birdhouse.
- Hinges – Strong hinges will help keep the entrance and check door from sagging overtime.
- Paint and Brushes – Hypoallergenic paint and brushes for sealing, coloring and protecting your birdhouse.
- Gel Glue – To put your bird house together and attach the roof.
Optional materials you may find useful include mesh cloth, tongue depressors, felt, mirrors, and other decorations you can use to give your birdhouse a unique look.
2. Get Crafty: Tips for Constructing a Cozy Home for Feathered Friends
When you want to create a quick and cozy home for feathered friends, there are all sorts of options you can explore. What types of materials and habitats you choose will vary based on the needs of the birds you’re looking to attract.
First, take into account the size, shape, and features of the bird in mind. If you’re looking for something small and sweet, like a hummingbird, then you might want to consider a feeder that hangs from a tree. They also enjoy a place to rest, so a shelf, a platform, or a window sill could give them a comfortable spot to land.
On the other hand, if you have the space, you may be able to create a more inviting habitat. Here are a few ideas:
- Provide hiding places like natural foliage and grasses
- Add bird baths or shallow dishes of water
- Surround the space with natural materials like branches and twigs
- Construct a home from a recycled object
Regardless of how modest or grand the habitat you create is, be sure to keep it clean and well maintained. This will help keep the birds fed and healthy and make it an inviting place for them to come back to.
3. Peak into the Past: Inspiration from Traditional Birdhouse Designs
Birdhouses have been a feature of gardens and landscapes for centuries, inviting feathered friends onto our property and giving us an opportunity to observe these delightful creatures in their natural habitat. Going back in time to explore traditional birdhouse designs gives us a glimpse into the past and an appreciation for the craftsmanship and skill required to create these homes for our feathered friends.
Traditional birdhouse designs make use of a wide range of materials like wood, terracotta, wicker, and metal. Many of these birdhouses function as decorative pieces or works of art, beautifully crafted and designed to fit into a garden landscape. While the designs often feature a classic look and rustic aesthetic, there are some exceptions to the rule such as the eccentric and vibrant birdhouses made with Bohemian influences coming from Central Europe.
- Wood Birdhouses: Wooden bird houses are a very popular choice for providing birds with a safe and protected home. For example, a traditional Amish birdhouse is crafted from pine wood, decorated with intricate cutwork and colorful trim.
- Terracotta Birdhouses: Terracotta birdhouses often have an earthen look that blends with the natural surroundings. Generally, they tend to be smaller or smaller than other materials, so they are popular among bird species that require less space.
- Wicker Birdhouses: Wicker birdhouses offer a more organic, wild look. They also provide extra insulation, making them a prime choice for keeping birds warm during colder months.
- Metal Birdhouses: Metal birdhouses are not quite as common, but they can be a strong and bold option for landscaping. These birdhouses usually feature detailed designs with intricate patterns.
Whichever traditional birdhouse design you choose, you can be sure to add a unique touch to your outdoor space with these timeless classics.
4. Create a Wildlife Haven: Final Touches for the Perfect Birdhouse
Are you ready to give your feathered guests the perfect place to call home? Now comes the fun part: transforming your birdhouse into a welcoming wildlife haven! We’ve gathered some additional tips to ensure the perfect habitat for your feathered friends:
- Cleaning: Disinfect the birdhouse and remove any remaining sawdust. Include a deep cleaning when constructing a new birdhouse.
- Nest bedding choices: Start with pine needles, grass, feathers, or cotton. Other materials such as corn husks, hair, and wool can also be used.
- Supplement the perches: Wire and rope can provide gripping surfaces for birds. Make sure the rope is securely attached.
Finally, remember to keep the entrance of your birdhouse clear. If the area is overgrown with weeds or tall grass, trim it back and keep the area tidy. You can decorate your birdhouse to your heart’s content as long as it does not hinder the birds’ ability to land and get around. Taking the time to give your feathered friends an inviting place will have them returning to your yard again and again!
Turn your backyard into an inviting home for birds by building a birdhouse! It’s a fun, inexpensive way to get crafty while also providing shelter to birds. With a few supplies and some time, you can construct a safe and cozy place for feathered friends of all shapes and sizes to take refuge. Your feathered friends will thank you!